The bridge is officially named Puente de los Peligros, but local residents exclusively refer to it as the Puente Viejo.
The religious niche on the bridge contains a bust of the Virgin of the Dangers, a site of continuous devotion for over 250 years.
It replaced an earlier wooden bridge that was frequently destroyed by the turbulent waters of the Segura River.
The bridge's construction was commissioned to facilitate a more stable connection between the city center and the railway station area across the river.
During the devastating floods of 1879, known as the 'Santa Teresa flood,' the bridge remained intact despite water levels reaching dangerous heights.
The Puente de los Peligros, also known as the Puente Viejo, is the oldest surviving bridge in Murcia, crossing the Segura River. Completed in 1742 under the reign of King Philip V, it features a distinct stone structure with two arches. The bridge derives its name, 'Bridge of Dangers,' from the historical threat of flooding by the Segura River, which frequently endangered the structure. A niche at one end of the bridge houses the image of the Virgin of Los Peligros, historically invoked by locals for protection against river surges. The bridge serves as a critical connection between the historic city center and the El Carmen neighborhood. It remains a functional transit point for pedestrians and vehicles, though it has undergone several structural reinforcements over its three-century history. The current design incorporates stone masonry and reflects the civil engineering priorities of 18th-century Spanish urban planning.
From the riverbank path (Paseo del Teniente Flomesta) looking up at the bridge arches.
Visit at dusk to see the bridge illuminated, providing a clear view of the historic architecture against the evening sky.
Walk from the bridge toward the nearby Museo Salzillo to combine historical engineering with 18th-century religious art.
Observe the Segura River levels from the bridge, as they are a historical indicator of Murcia's complex relationship with its river.
Avoid walking directly in the narrow traffic lanes; stay on the designated pedestrian sidewalks to ensure safety from vehicle traffic.
