MIRADOR DEL PUENTE ROMANO
30 minutes
The image the spectator contemplates from this point represents the most characteristic profile of the city of Salamanca. Throughout the centuries, it has been the most reproduced and photographed panorama. In the foreground is the Puente Romano, while in the background the towers of the historic city stand out, crowned by the imposing silhouette of the Catedral Nueva. A selfie support and an interpretive panel allow visitors to identify the monuments visible from this location.
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From the Arrabal del Puente, on the left bank of the Tormes River, the historic city rises majestically, dominating the surrounding landscape. For centuries, the ford located here allowed the passage of merchants, pilgrims, and armies to the other bank. At the beginning of the first millennium BC, traders from the eastern Mediterranean brought exotic products to exchange with the inhabitants of the Cerro de San Vicente. Centuries later, Hannibal and his legendary army of elephants crossed the river using that ford to attack and conquer the Vettonian settlement of Helmántiké. But it was necessary to wait for Rome to consolidate its dominion over the territory for Roman engineers to erect their great legacy: the majestic Puente Romano. A bridge that for more than fifteen hundred years withstood the onslaughts of the fierce waters of the Tormes until, one winter night in 1626, the Tormes prevailed and swept away half the bridge. The inscriptions on the pillars flanking the entrance to the Puente Romano from the Arrabal inform us that the reconstruction was carried out during the reign of King Philip IV.
From this privileged point, the spectator contemplates the most emblematic and photographed image of Salamanca, a profile that has fascinated artists and travelers throughout the centuries. It was first depicted by the German Anton Vanden Wyngaerde when he drew the general panorama of Salamanca in 1570. Later, during the Peninsular War, English and French artists captured it again and again, perpetuating its beauty in their works.
In more recent times, this scene has become the city's iconic postcard: the charro couple framed by the historic Puente Romano, with the imposing cathedrals in the background. Every day, travelers, pilgrims of the Ruta de la Plata, and couples posing for their wedding photo shoots immortalize this scene, a memory that will be etched in their cameras and in their minds. Documentaries and films have chosen this same spot to capture the essence of Salamanca.
Let yourself be enveloped by the magic of this place and return when night falls. With the city illuminated, the landscape transforms into an even more captivating vision, an experience that will remain in your memory forever.
From this privileged point, the spectator contemplates the most emblematic and photographed image of Salamanca, a profile that has fascinated artists and travelers throughout the centuries. It was first depicted by the German Anton Vanden Wyngaerde when he drew the general panorama of Salamanca in 1570. Later, during the Peninsular War, English and French artists captured it again and again, perpetuating its beauty in their works.
In more recent times, this scene has become the city's iconic postcard: the charro couple framed by the historic Puente Romano, with the imposing cathedrals in the background. Every day, travelers, pilgrims of the Ruta de la Plata, and couples posing for their wedding photo shoots immortalize this scene, a memory that will be etched in their cameras and in their minds. Documentaries and films have chosen this same spot to capture the essence of Salamanca.
Let yourself be enveloped by the magic of this place and return when night falls. With the city illuminated, the landscape transforms into an even more captivating vision, an experience that will remain in your memory forever.
This viewpoint is an essential stop on any tourist itinerary through Salamanca. At the entrance to the bridge, an interpretive panel facilitates the identification of the monuments visible from this point.
• To our right, upstream from the Puente Romano, stand out the lantern tower of the Church of San Esteban, the Casa de Lis, and the two cathedrals. From here, we can see the oriental-style lantern tower of the Catedral Vieja, known as the Torre del Gallo.
• Continuing the route to the west, in the center of the image, the imposing Torres de la Clerecía and the bell-gable of the University Chapel are distinguishable.
• Downstream from the Puente Romano rises the Peña Celestina, upon which the Faculty of Sciences is built. At the western end, separated from the Teso de las Catedrales by the Vaguada de la Palma, lies the Cerro de San Vicente. Today it is an archaeological park beneath which lies the origin of Salamanca.
• To our right, upstream from the Puente Romano, stand out the lantern tower of the Church of San Esteban, the Casa de Lis, and the two cathedrals. From here, we can see the oriental-style lantern tower of the Catedral Vieja, known as the Torre del Gallo.
• Continuing the route to the west, in the center of the image, the imposing Torres de la Clerecía and the bell-gable of the University Chapel are distinguishable.
• Downstream from the Puente Romano rises the Peña Celestina, upon which the Faculty of Sciences is built. At the western end, separated from the Teso de las Catedrales by the Vaguada de la Palma, lies the Cerro de San Vicente. Today it is an archaeological park beneath which lies the origin of Salamanca.
• As in the rest of the viewpoints on this route, there is a selfie support available. Through a simple system of QR codes, visitors can quickly capture their photos and share them on social media, becoming the city's best ambassadors.
• An interpretive panel located at the entrance to the bridge helps us identify the monuments visible from here.
• To accompany the Viewpoint Route, we invite you to listen to the songs of Salamanca singer-songwriter Gabriel Calvo, thus enriching your experience with melodies that capture the essence of our city.
• An interpretive panel located at the entrance to the bridge helps us identify the monuments visible from here.
• To accompany the Viewpoint Route, we invite you to listen to the songs of Salamanca singer-songwriter Gabriel Calvo, thus enriching your experience with melodies that capture the essence of our city.