Picturesque Europe - vol III - 1879
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E631 - Picturesque Europe - 1280
Perplexity |
The Roman Bridge of Salamanca, known as Puente Romano de Salamanca, is one of Spain’s most iconic historical monuments. Built between 27 BCE and 79 CE during Roman rule, the bridge served as a vital crossing over the Tormes River, connecting Mérida and Astorga along the ancient Vía de la Plata trade route. Its strategic importance to transportation and commerce made it central to the region's development123.
The bridge originally consisted of 26 arches, with the first 15 dating back to Roman times. Over centuries, floods and wear led to multiple reconstructions, notably after significant floods in 1256, 1626, and 1767. These restorations blended Roman and medieval architectural styles, creating the bridge’s current hybrid structure. The Roman section near Salamanca retains its original granite construction, while later additions used local materials12.
The bridge also played a role in military history, particularly during the Peninsular War in 1812 when the Duke of Wellington used it strategically against Napoleonic forces. Declared an Artistic Historic Monument in 1931 and a Cultural Interest Asset in 1998, it remained a primary thoroughfare until vehicular traffic ceased in 1973. Today, the bridge is a pedestrian landmark offering stunning views of Salamanca’s old town123.
Citations:
- https://www.historyhit.com/locations/salamanca-roman-bridge/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_bridge_of_Salamanca
- https://www.hotelrector.com/EN/roman-bridge-of-salamanca.html
- https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/studyabroad/2020/10/14/a-bridge-over-uncertain-waters-what-salamanca-taught-me/
- https://www.spain.info/en/places-of-interest/roman-bridge-salamanca/
- https://leisuregrouptravel.com/salamanca-is-spain-at-its-most-majestic/
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/05/03/good-old-salamanca/
- https://wikipedia.nucleos.com/viewer/wikipedia_en_all/A/Roman_bridge_of_Salamanca
Answer from Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/6794cf6a-930e-4d3f-8d0a-76bf3693bd64?utm_source=copy_output



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The Roman Bridge of Salamanca was prominently featured in Picturesque Europe, a richly illustrated travel book published in the late 19th century. This publication, edited by Bayard Taylor and released in multiple volumes, aimed to capture the beauty and cultural significance of iconic European landmarks through detailed engravings and descriptive text.
In the 1878 edition of Picturesque Europe (Volume II), the bridge was highlighted as a key architectural and historical feature of Salamanca. The accompanying engraving showcased its timeless design, with its Roman arches spanning the Tormes River. The text celebrated the bridge’s enduring legacy, emphasizing its connection to Salamanca’s ancient past as part of the Vía de la Plata, a major Roman trade route linking Mérida and Astorga. The depiction also noted the bridge's picturesque setting, with views of Salamanca’s Old Town and its cathedrals in the background.
This inclusion in Picturesque Europe reflected the bridge's status as a symbol of Salamanca’s rich history and cultural heritage. It brought international attention to the structure, cementing its place as an essential stop for travelers exploring Spain’s architectural marvels during the 19th century Romantic era.
Citations:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_bridge_of_Salamanca
- https://www.spain.info/en/places-of-interest/roman-bridge-salamanca/
- https://leisuregrouptravel.com/salamanca-is-spain-at-its-most-majestic/
- https://picryl.com/topics/salamanca+in+the+19th+century/spain
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1878,_Picturesque_Europe,_vol_II,_The_Bridge_of_Salamanca.jpg
- https://www.antiquebooksaustralia.com.au/products/picturesque-europe-division-12-c1875-rare-antiquarian-engravings-book
- https://www.schilbantiquarian.com/product/1876-picturesque-europe-illustrated-scotland-spain-ireland-rome-ruins-alps-2v-2/
- https://www.expedia.com/Roman-Bridge-Arrabal.d6122048.Vacation-Attraction
Answer from Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/6794cf6a-930e-4d3f-8d0a-76bf3693bd64?utm_source=copy_output
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