4 important and historic bridges in Arequipa
Arequipa was founded on August 15, 1540, since then it has not ceased to amaze due to the different constructions it has housed since colonial times, where you can find a large number of temples based on ashlar. Important material for a great variety of constructions in this Peruvian region, as an example we can appreciate a traditional neighborhood, decorations based on ashlar and two of the bridges that this time bring us here.
1. Bolognesi Bridge
Formerly known as Puente Real and/or Puente Viejo. It is a bridge located very close to the Main Square of Arequipa. This bridge served to cross the river best known to the people of Arequipa, the Chili River. It is said that before this bridge there was one probably based on ichu or straw. The Bolognesi bridge is one of the first constructions that were made to unify the city that is crossed by the aforementioned river. Its construction began in 1577. The work was entrusted to the architect Juan de Aldana. Construction lasted until the early 1600s.
The Bolognesi Bridge is made entirely of ashlar, a stone that is considered a symbol for the city. It is composed of several arches that serve as a support and at the same time as a free passage to the mighty Chili. This river increases its flow during the rainy season or the first months of each year, dates when the rain is usually torrential and falls more frequently.
- Where is the Bolognesi bridge? – It is located very close to the Main Square. The street that follows the path of the bridge directly adjoins the square.
- When to visit the Bolognesi Bridge? – It can be visited at any time. It is freely accessible. However, if you want to get good photos, it is advisable to go in the morning to have the Misti as the background for the photos.
It is narrated that in the past when crossing the bridge late at night. Especially if a man was alone, he could see a mermaid, that is, a beautiful woman with half her body in the form of a fish. He was attributed to this urban legend, many accidents and some disappearances.
2. Fierro Bridge
If we continue talking about antiquity, this bridge could be considered the second oldest. Its construction date dates back to 1870. The initial construction of this large bridge was to allow the passage of the train. Initially, it had a railway line for this trade. This bridge would serve to cross the Chili River, by train, from the Arequipa side, which would then continue on its way to Puno.
The Fierro Bridge was a symbol of pride for a long time and probably still is for the oldest Arequipeños. This construction was part of an entire railway network during the time of the guano heyday. Its construction involved the use of current technology and a strong investment.
For some inhabitants of the region this bridge was built under the supervision of Gustave Eiffel, although much of its architecture coincides with the construction of the Parisian tower, it is unlikely that he was the direct creator. However, it can be ensured that they took the tower of Paris as a model and as a theoretical and technical base.
In 1920 it stopped working as a rail for trans-Andean trains and was used as a road and pedestrian bridge, obtaining a first foundation in 1960 to facilitate the transfer of motorized vehicles. However, currently it only works as a pedestrian or bicycle bridge. The entry of any motorized vehicle is strictly prohibited.
- Where is the Fierro Bridge? – It is very close to the Santa María Catholic University and the Mario Vargas Llosa House Museum. It joins Vía Fernandini with Mario Vargas Llosa avenue.
- When to visit the Fierro Bridge? – It can be visited at any time of the day, the entrance is free for pedestrians
This bridge is 484 meters long and 37 meters high. Its real name is Simón Bolívar Bridge, but all the residents prefer to call it Fierro Bridge, which is considered a historical heritage of Arequipa and since 2003 it obtained the rank of Monumental Urban Environment.
3. Grau Bridge
It is the third oldest bridge. It is located in the historic center of the white city. It is large in size and its construction required a large investment and some difficulties. This bridge was built in order to achieve a better way to cross the Chili River. However, during its construction it was almost discarded due to the difficulty involved in creating the arches and later unifying the access to the bridge on both sides. In 1888 it was concluded with a great ceremony. It was precisely on December 15 of that year, the date on which it was decreed as “Free traffic”.
The Grau bridge is made of ashlar stone and has fine finishes in carved stone and also the presence of balconies made up of carved stone. It is a bridge that underwent several modifications until it reached how we see it today. From its balconies you can see part of the Arequipa countryside and especially the majestic Misti. Currently it also serves as a bypass to avoid the density and accumulation of cars. This bridge continues to function since its creation despite the fact that it already needs some parts.
- Where is the Grau bridge? – It is on La Marina avenue, precisely where it joins Calle Grau and Ovalo Grau, which directly adjoins Ejercito avenue.
- When to visit the Grau Bridge? – This bridge is freely accessible, so it can be visited during the day for better photographs or at night to see a large part of the city illuminated.
It is said that after it was built, the first living thing to cross this bridge was a donkey. According to the chronicles of Juan Guillermo Carpio.
4. Chilina Bridge
Its real name is Mariano Melgar Valdivieso Bridge, it is a recently inaugurated construction in 2014. It has a length of 562 meters. It serves to communicate the districts of Cayma and Selva Alegre. It has the peculiarity of withstanding a magnitude 9 earthquake and is also quite wide, having the capacity of 3 lanes. This bridge is supported by four pillars.
Its construction required different specialists, for different reasons. One of them was that it was necessary for the bridge, in its design, not to alter the cultural heritage both in construction and in the visual spectrum. Different tests of its foundation and structure were carried out. Obtaining in this way an aesthetic quality that can be appreciated in the morning and also at night, due to the functional lighting that artistically highlights its architectural characteristics. All of the above does not alter its functionality or the cultural heritage around it.
Currently, different campaigns are being promoted to prevent the increase in the number of suicides that have occurred on this bridge. Therefore, the meshing of it is also requested. Until now (2022), 94 suicides have been registered since 2016.
- Where is the Chilina bridge? – The bridge directly adjoins two ovals, the Cusco oval and the Rocoto oval. This bridge connects two districts crossing the Chili River. The districts are Cayma and Selva Alegre.
- When to visit the Chilina Bridge? – The bridge can only be appreciated from a distance due to the different cases of suicides that have been registered. It has constant police surveillance specialized in these cases.
By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, August 28, 2023