The bridge's central chamber was used as a prison during the Spanish Civil War, where some captives were reportedly thrown into the gorge.
The initial 1735 bridge design collapsed after only six years, resulting in the deaths of 50 people.
The bridge is built from blocks of stone quarried from the bottom of the El Tajo gorge.
The central arch features a hidden room above the main bridge span, originally used as an inn and later as a guard post.
The Puente Nuevo is the third bridge to be built at this site, replacing smaller, less stable predecessors.
The bridge height is 98 meters tall, excluding the foundation structures embedded in the gorge walls.
The Puente Nuevo de Ronda viewpoint on Calle Tenorio offers a direct vantage of the 18th-century stone bridge spanning the 120-meter deep El Tajo gorge. Constructed between 1751 and 1793, the bridge connects the historic Moorish old town, La Ciudad, with the newer Mercadillo district. The viewpoint is situated along the cliff edge adjacent to the Parador de Ronda. It provides an unobstructed line of sight to the central arch, which formerly contained a prison with cells carved directly into the stone walls. The structure was designed by architect José Martín de Aldehuela. The surrounding gorge is formed by the Guadalevín River, which continues to erode the limestone bedrock. Visitors typically access this specific lookout point by walking along the promenade bordering the cliffside.
From the railing directly facing the bridge along the Calle Tenorio cliffside path.
Visit during the golden hour to capture the sun hitting the limestone gorge walls.
Hold onto cameras and phones securely, as the viewpoint railing is the only barrier before a significant drop.
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture both the bridge and the scale of the canyon.
Do not attempt to climb over the safety railings for photos, as the rock face is unstable.
