Puente de Alcantara, Toledo – Discovering the Roman Bridge (with photos)
The Puente de Alcantara, Toledo, Spain, is an impressive Roman stone bridge linking to Toledo old town.
Seeing the bridge reflecting in the Tajo river is one of the most wonderful sights, and it’s definitely high up on the list of the best things to see in Toledo.
Let’s explore it!
The Puente de Alcántara is one of the two original bridges giving access to the old town of Toledo, across the Tagus river.
It’s located in the east of the city while the second bridge, the Puente de San Martin, is located in the west.
In this travel guide about the Alcantara bridge, you’ll find in the table of contents below everything that we’ll see, from learning facts & discovering the bridge to how to get there & more.
Simply click on the table to expand it, then click on any part you’d like to jump to.
Where is the Puente de Alcantara?
The Puente de Alcantara is located in the city of Toledo, Spain, south of Madrid.
The bridge is in the east of the city center, and it’s one of the eastern entries to the city center, through the Puerta del Alcantara.
Facts about el Puente de Alcantara Toledo
Are you fond of facts? I know I am! I love learning more about a place and its history with some quick & interesting facts, so I’ve gathered a few about el puente de Alcantara for you:
- Alcántara comes from the Arabic word القنطرة / al-qantarah, meaning bridge. So the Alcantara Bridge is essentially the Bridge Bridge (I guess they weren’t very inspired when naming the bridge)
- the bridge was built by the Romans, around the time they founded the city (17 AD)
- originally there were 3 arches; only 2 remain today, after the bridge suffered damage in the 10th century
- the tower on the city side was built around 1260 by King Alfonso X
- the massive triumphal arch on the outside of the city was built in 1721, to replace the original tower that was in ruins
- the bridge was listed as a National Monument in 1921
Discovering the Alcantara Bridge
Driving in Toledo old town is pretty complicated, and I didn’t want to struggle to find a parking spot in the city while driving around; after all, I only had limited time before driving back to Madrid to catch my plane to Paris.
Fortunately, I found a free parking spot, right outside the city (see below for the free parking). I parked my car, and started walking towards the old city center.
As I got close to the Tajo river, I saw a massive stone bridge in the distance, with the Alcazar of Toledo in the back, towering above the bridge.
There was a little foot trail going down to the riverbank, and I decided to walk down to see the bridge from down below.
The view I got from down the river was absolutely incredible! As I was almost at eye-level with the water, I saw the bridge reflecting in the river, and illuminated by the soft morning light.
I stayed down there for a while, watching the river flow and the local fisherman reel in several fishes. I then made my way back up, to walk on the bridge.
When I reached the top, I took a few steps back to stand right in front of the bridge. The eastern entrance is so imposing, with the big triumphal arch acting as the gate to the bridge.
I walked through the arch, and was standing on the bridge. In front of me, the western tower, and the old city center of Toledo up on the hill.
View to the south towards the ronda de Juanelo
View to the north with the Puente de Azarquiel
The western tower, towards the city, was rebuilt in medieval times under King Alfonso X, and feels different from the rest of the bridge. It’s a massive block of fortification, with the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs.
After crossing the Puente Alcantara, I walked a bit on the other side of the river, for a different view of the bridge.
Finally, I was ready to move on and started climbing the steps leading to the old city up the hill. Well, not totally ready… Of course, I had to have a last glance at the bridge, from up the stairs.
Ready to discover Toledo? Follow this free walking tour (yes there’s a map!) for the best itinerary to explore the city!
In the meantime, here are a few other shots I took of the bridge Alcantara and surroundings 🙂
How to Get to Toledo
You can either get to Toledo by car, or by train.
By car
Toledo is a perfect day trip from Madrid, and from other Spanish cities. You’ll find below the driving time from nearby cities:
From Madrid: 1h
From Segovia: 1h35
From Valencia: 3h30
It’s difficult to drive and park in the city; the best option is to find a parking outside of the city walls, then walk to the center.
When you’ll reach Toledo, head to the north east of the city, right outside of the city walls. This is where you’ll find the cheapest parking options, and the most parking spaces available. It’s also right next to the bridge.
By train
If you don’t have a car, you can get to Toledo by train from Madrid. There is a direct train that goes straight from Madrid to Toledo.
From: Madrid-Puerta de Atocha
To: Toledo
Duration: 33 minutes
Cost: 13.90€ (average price)
Book here: Train to Toledo
You can also take the trains from other cities in Spain (Barcelona, Segovia, …), just click on the link above to see all options.
From the Toledo train station, you can walk to the city center, which will take you around 20 minutes.
Where to Stay Near the Puente Alcantara Toledo
If you’re visiting Toledo, you have several options for where to stay. You’ll find below hotels depending on your travel style:
Budget: Albergue Juvenil Los Pascuales
Cheapest accommodation in Toledo, for around 14€ per night.
This youth hostel is only 2 minutes away from the Toledo Cathedral and the Toledo Castle. It also comes with included breakfast!
Comfy: Hotel San Juan de los Reyes
The Hotel San Juan de los Reyes is my favorite accommodation for a comfy stay in Avila, for around 75€ per night.
It’s ideally located in Toledo, a short walk from all the main sights. The beds are pretty comfy, and the included breakfast makes it a perfect choice for your stay in Avila. You’ll also enjoy free parking (which is nice in Toledo), and spacious bathroom with a hydro-massage bathtubs, perfect to relax after a long day of exploration in the city.
Luxury: Almunia de San Miguel
The best hotel in Toledo, hands down.
The Almunia de San Miguel has everything you’ll need, and even more: free parking, breakfast included, incredible rooms, and the location… The hotel is right next to the castle and the cathedral, you can’t be closer! There’s even a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Visit Spain
Planning a trip to Toledo and Spain? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:
Toledo Guides:
Vist the Monastery de San Juan de los Reyes
The Stunning Sinagoga Santa Maria la Blanca
A Church AND an Epic View over Toledo
Spain Guides:
How to get from Madrid to Segovia
I hope you enjoy your trip to Toledo and to Spain!
If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.
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