Puente de San Bernardo

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The bridge is locally known as 'Puente de los Bomberos' due to its proximity to the historic fire station located in the San Bernardo neighborhood.

2. 2

   The bronze statues on the bridge were cast in the workshops of the Viuda de Masriera in Barcelona.

3. 3

   The bridge was built as part of the urban redevelopment plan to improve access between the city center and the growing eastern suburbs before the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.

4. 4

   The structure originally accommodated tram lines that connected the city center to the industrial outskirts.

5. 5

   The design intentionally mimics the appearance of stone masonry using molded reinforced concrete, a hallmark of the Regionalist architectural movement in Seville.

Overview

Puente de San Bernardo is a prominent road bridge in Seville that spans the tracks of the former railway line connecting the San Bernardo station to the city center. Constructed between 1923 and 1924, it was designed by architects José Delgado Roig and Gonzalo Ozores de León. The structure is built from reinforced concrete and features a distinct aesthetic influenced by the regionalist style popular in early 20th-century Seville. The bridge is adorned with four large bronze statues created by sculptor Lorenzo Coullaut Valera. These statues represent allegorical figures and historical symbols associated with the city. It serves as a vital transit artery for local traffic while acting as a bridge over the urban railway trench. The current configuration remains largely true to its original design despite subsequent urban modernization in the surrounding district.

Insider tips

• Visit during the late afternoon to observe the light hitting the bronze statues, which helps reveal the fine detailing of the sculptures.

• Walk to the neighboring Jardines de la Buhaira after crossing the bridge for a scenic change of pace.

• Stay on the pedestrian sidewalks on either side of the bridge, as traffic can be heavy and fast-moving.