Iron Bridge

Jesús María García, chronicler of Galera, recalls that floods destroyed the old wooden footbridges and made communication with the surrounding villages difficult. Work began in January 1909 and, according to the chronicler’s research, continued until 1912. The bridge formed part of the road between Cúllar and Huéscar. About 85 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, its metal structure rests on two abutments and two central stone piers.

Look at the joints: the iron pieces were assembled with roblones, or rivets, which make the construction technique recognisable. Jesús María recounts an anecdote about the long wait: a candidate promised to secure the bridge, won the votes, and did not keep his promise; when he returned to ask for support, the residents rejected him. It is a story from local memory that conveys how much this project was desired.

In the 1960s, the diversion of main traffic turned the bridge into an urban thoroughfare. As well as crossing the river, it became a place for strolling and meeting. Stop and look at the village from here: the views help explain the emotional bond residents have with this place.