Puente Nuevo (New Bridge)
Ronda, Spain
Ronda stands on a high plateau divided into two parts by a deep cleft in the rock.
The two sections of the town are spanned by the 18th century “Puente Nuevo” which crosses the gorge called "El Tajo".
The ravine is about 100 meters deep and is formed by the Guadelevin River.
Juan Martín de Aldehuela engineered the bridge, starting in 1751 and finishing it in 1793 forty two years later.
Below the central arch there is a room that was formerly used as a prison. Do you see that central window?
Antonio explained how those prisoners sentenced to death were simply hurled from that central window to fall to their deaths in the gorge below.
He said it was very simply done: the jail was there, just walk the prisoners a short way and no necessity to waste a bullet or rope for a hanging.
Very economical.
Very practical.
The two sections of the town are spanned by the 18th century “Puente Nuevo” which crosses the gorge called "El Tajo".
The ravine is about 100 meters deep and is formed by the Guadelevin River.
Juan Martín de Aldehuela engineered the bridge, starting in 1751 and finishing it in 1793 forty two years later.
Below the central arch there is a room that was formerly used as a prison. Do you see that central window?
Antonio explained how those prisoners sentenced to death were simply hurled from that central window to fall to their deaths in the gorge below.
He said it was very simply done: the jail was there, just walk the prisoners a short way and no necessity to waste a bullet or rope for a hanging.
Very economical.
Very practical.