El Puente del Arzobispo


Medieval Bridge

Sculpture and ceramics

Information about El Puente del Arzobispo:

Telephone: 925 436 162
Web: http://puentedelarzobispo.es/
Email Ayuntamiento: info@puentedelarzobispo.com

The historical foundations of the municipality of El Puente del Arzobispo are linked to the construction of the stone bridge, ordered to be built by Pedro Tenorio, archbishop of Toledo and Duke of Estrada in the 19th century. XIII, on the Tagus River itself. Today, after six hundred years of construction, it is an important communications hub in the region because it is located in a strategic location. Vehicles and people circulate through it daily, some on pilgrimage to the Guadalupe monastery, and others who come in search of its famous crafts.

Famous is the production of ceramics with green, orange and yellow tones that have given it the privilege of being considered Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Currently, the ceramics from El Puente del Arzobispo are the population's first source of income. The Puenteños potteries provide plates, basins, casseroles, jugs, pitchers and jugs to the entire region. His pieces have a certain ruralism that gives them grace and character.

Tourist Information

Find out more

What to see?

Stone Bridge (XIV c.)

It was ordered to be built in 1380 by the then Archbishop of Toledo and Duke of Estrada, Pedro Tenorio. The works were completed in 1388. It is made of granite and contains semicircular arches that taper towards the sides. The entire flow of the river flows through the major arch. The central arch measures approximately 14.5 m from the water surface. From the two central arches, two granite ashlar towers rose up, both of which were solid constructions that defended the bridge. The first tower was quadrangular in shape and solid in appearance, the second was rhombo-hexagonal in plan and slenderer in profile, but lower in elevation. They were demolished at the end of the 20th century. XIX, which was said to impede traffic.


Rollo de justicia (s. XV)

It is a Gothic monument, carved in granite and divided into five parts: steps, base, shaft, capital and top. The high base is divided into two tori, the second containing spherite work, the base, like the shaft, contains an octagonal body. The shaft is divided into nine drums and the whole into two equal parts, separated by a cornice; in the second part there are two attached ledges and, on a higher plane and on two different sides, two small zoomorphic figures that form a harmonious whole together with the ledges. The capital is square in shape, with two pearls and a projecting lion's head on either side, reminiscent of the gargoyles of Gothic buildings. Above this, there is a body, also square in shape with a shield without a coat of arms on each side. The top is a pyramid of four pearls attached to the base, four pearls in the centre and on each side, and a larger pearl at the top. The spout-roll has a slender figure. It is one of the most valuable specimens preserved in the province of Toledo. It must be said that the pillory of El Puente del Arzobispo is one of those called "de dar garrote", although there is no document that confirms that anyone was executed in it.

Church of Santa Catalina (XVII c.)

In the past, the hours were sung in this temple in imitation of what was done in the main church of Toledo. The church was built next to what is now the old people's home of Santa Catalina, a former hospital. Two styles were used in the construction of the church, Gothic and Mudejar, both of which are still preserved today, despite the alterations made to the church in the 15th century . The bell tower is in Renaissance style, carved in the 15th century in good granite masonry, with ball finials.

Convent of the Franciscans (XVII c.)

Situated according to the old times at a hundred steps from the village itself, nowadays, due to the growth of the municipality, it is inserted in it. In the convent of the Barefoot Franciscans, the image of Our Lady of the Virgin Mary was venerated. Sra. de Majano was so called because, according to tradition, she appeared to a sacristan of the neighbouring village of Alía on a pile of stones. The temple consisted of five altars and a main altarpiece. The friars' own residence consisted of 17 cells, two offices, two cloisters, a cave and a magnificent vegetable garden. The convent was dedicated to Saint Mary and its first guardian was Fray Sebastián de San Francisco, a great preacher and later provincial of the order.

Los Molinos

Made of stone and used in ancient times to grind the flour that would later become bread. These mills worked all year round, thanks to the great power and abundance of the river's water. They consisted of five large stones or very fast grinding wheels. With a vaulted roof and some semicircular arches. Built with granite masonry and strong lime mortar. These can still be seen today, although they are not used for the creation of bread.