Puente de la Alcanzorla: A Medieval Bridge Over the Guadarrama

The Puente de la Alcanzorla, likely built between the 9th and 11th centuries, is a remarkable relic in Las Minas, Galapagar. It is located very close to the urban core of Torrelodones, less than a kilometer upstream from the 16th-century Puente Nuevo. This bridge was part of a camino militar, uniting various watchtowers and fortresses across a zone ranging from Talamanca de Jarama to the Valle del Tiétar. This system of defensive structures was organized by Andalusi power to face incursions in the Marca Media, a vital frontier zone for the defense of Toledo. Nearby fortifications include the Atalaya de Torrelodones and La Torrecilla in Hoyo de Manzanares.

The Alcanzorla bridge is one of four Islamic bridges that were integrated into the cited military road, including the Puente del Grajal in Colmenar Viejo, the Puente del Pasadero in Navalagamella, the Talamanca bridge, and the Puente del San Juan in Pelayos de la Presa. The first written records of the bridge date back to 1236. Today, only the central arch remains, built with granite blocks, serving as a testament to its history.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons