Did you know that Seville has a Parisian bridge?
The city, steeped in history and tradition, is home to an architectural treasure with a touch of the French capital. This bridge, which combines Parisian elegance with Sevillian charm, is a fascinating testimony to how art and engineering can transcend borders and unite cultures. We are talking about the Isabel II Bridge, popularly known as the Triana Bridge.
The origin of its name
The bridge owes its name to Queen Elizabeth II, as the work was completed during her reign. It was built between 1845 and 1852 and was designed by two French engineers: Gustave Steinacher and Ferdinand Bennenot, who in turn were inspired by the Carrousel bridge, a structure erected in Paris in 1831. However, there are notable differences between the Triana bridge and its Parisian counterpart, as the latter had to be rebuilt, while the Triana bridge has maintained its original essence.
The scene of historic moments
The predecessor to the Triana Bridge was the Barcas Bridge, which became the scene of the historic Battle of Triana during the Spanish War of Independence. The inauguration of the new bridge on 23 February 1852 was a memorable event, celebrated with a procession from the parish church of Santa Ana. Personalities of the time, such as the archbishop, the civil governor and the captain general of Seville, were present at the ceremony. The day was declared a public holiday and a military parade was held to commemorate the occasion.
Despite its historical and architectural value, the Triana Bridge has not been exempted from danger. It almost collapsed in 1889 due to the passage of a steam cylinder that broke one of the beams and a girder of the structure, forcing it to be shored up. This incident is just one part of its rich history, which reflects the bridge’s endurance and importance to the city of Seville.
A must-see
Since April 1976, the Triana Bridge has been considered a National Historic Monument, consolidating its status as an emblematic place for Sevillians and a must-see for anyone who comes to the city.
