Upon arriving in Badajoz (Extremadura, Spain), we set out to visit its oldest bridge, the Bridge of Palms or “Puente de Palmas”, which crosses the Guadiana River. Its strategic importance is reflected in the fortifications and defenses located at either end. On the city side, we found the “Puerta de Palmas”, which was once part of the city walls. On the opposite end at the head of the bridge is a Hornwork, a fortification that specifically protected the area, dating back to the 17th century. Both fortifications—the hornwork and the Palmas Gateway —played a key role in the defense of Badajoz and the bridge, especially during the wars with Portugal.
The bridge that we know today was built in 1596, on top of a previous one dating to 1460 that was destroyed in 1545 by a major flood of the Guadiana River. The original structure had 28 arches, though it now features 32. Its layout is straight, with a slight elevation in the central section, reaching a total length of nearly 600 meters. Its architectural style is Herrerian, and it is built with masonry and granite ashlar. Before its construction, the city lacked a bridge, which forced people to cross the river using boats or fords (firm or flat riverbeds) during times of low water flow.
Over the centuries, various damages caused by the Guadiana River’s floods led to ongoing repairs to keep the bridge functional. The successive renovations have left their mark, as its arches, piers, buttresses, and cutwaters display shapes and materials from different eras and styles.
A curious fact is that transhumant herders used to call this bridge the “Dumb Bridge” because no pontage toll was traditionally charged to cross it. The pontage was a historical tax levied for the use of bridges, highlighting the importance of such structures for transportation and commerce in past times.
The Bridge of Palms, a 16th-century stone construction, has withstood the test of time and still stands today for everyone’s enjoyment. From it, one can take in marvelous views of the walled city of Badajoz and the surrounding beauty.