Six bridges to connect a country
For centuries, people have used architecture to overcome geographical obstacles, such as rivers, mountains and canyons. Bridges are one of the most important and oldest civil constructions in architecture. They are not only useful for crossing natural obstacles, but they also help to connect cities, towns and nations that are separated or inaccessible.
When building and developing a town, bridges have therefore always been key. These structures shorten distances, making transport easier and helping commerce and the country to develop and grow.
Today, bridges have also become a symbol of a nation’s cultural and political progress.
Andorra’s bridges: structure and architecture
All the country’s surviving bridges date from the 15th to the 20th centuries and originated in the Middle Ages. Their simple construction makes them particularly unassuming. Yet, despite their simplicity, they are recognised today as veritable engineering and architectural monuments. Each stone was carefully chosen and placed in such a way that it fitted snugly on top of the previous one, applying a unique mortar, which acted as cement.
These constructions can be seen still standing and almost untouched in the country. They have been preserved in very good condition over the centuries, although some have been modified over the years. All the structures are built with a single semicircular arch and share the same features. They are made from stone – some of them are built using pumice stone – they have a flat cobbled surface, they span the Valira river and they have a small stone parapet that runs the length of the bridge.
This section will take you on a brief tour of all the medieval bridges in the Principality. From the oldest to the most contemporary and modern, each one has its own charm.
A bridge stroll
Pont dels Escalls
This is one of the most important bridges in Andorra and, as well as its spectacular construction, it is also the place where the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Urgell signed the pariages (feudal treaties) of 1278 and 1288 that gave rise to the institution of the co-principality.
This road bridge crosses the Valira del Nord river and is on the old road that linked Andorra la Vella with the villages of Engordany and Escaldes. It was built in the 13th century and consists of a single semicircular arch.
It is a notable part of Andorra’s cultural heritage and is the highest bridge over the river in the country.
Pont d’Engordany
The Pont d’Engordany is made from pumice stone, features just one single semicircular arch and also dates back to medieval times. The bridge sits in the centre of the Escaldes-Engordany parish, and used to be the only point separating and at the same time linking the two settlements.
This bridge crosses the Valira d’Orient river and was built for the second time in 1785. A heavy flood destroyed the first construction in 1772. Nevertheless, we can still see some traces of granite on the right-hand side of the bridge.
What makes it special is that its structure is asymmetrical, with a slope towards the left-hand side, due to a dip at both ends of the land.
Pont de la Tosca
This bridge is also located in the Escaldes-Engordany parish and dates back to 1820. The structure is made of stone, has a single semicircular arch, a cobbled causeway and a small wall that runs from one end of the bridge to the other. It spans 7 metres and reaches a maximum height of 10 metres above the riverbed. This bridge also has a slight slope due to the lay of the land.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Pont d’Engordany bridge, the bridge is a clear reminder of the old Royal Road of the Vall d’Orient that linked the Spanish-Andorran border with the French nation.
Interestingly, this bridge appears on the parish coat of arms!
Pont d’Ordino
This road bridge, which is also known as Pont de l’Estorell, is found in the Ordino parish, crossing the Valira Nord river. It was built in the Middle Ages, with a single arch and, although it is not Romanesque, the style is reminiscent.
One of the interesting things about this bridge is that it was moved in 1980. It was taken to its new location in the village of Llorts, stone by stone, to preserve its condition, as a result of the widening of the main road.
The Pont d’Ordino bridge was formerly on the road linking Andorra la Vella with the towns of Ordino and El Serrat. It has a cobbled causeway and is a ‘donkey-back’ bridge.
Pont de la Margineda
This is the oldest bridge in Andorra, built at the end of the 15th century. It consists of a single semicircular arch and the span or width of the arch is 9.20 metres. At its highest point, it is 33 metres long and more than 9 metres high. This road bridge passes over the Gran Valira, Andorra’s largest river.
The Pont de la Margineda bridge is located on the Royal Road, which was the only route linking the villages of Sant Julià de Lòria with Andorra la Vella, passing through the town of Santa Coloma.
Although it is the oldest road bridge, it is also the slimmest and largest in the Principality.
Pont de Sant Antoni de la Grella
Despite its medieval origin, it was rebuilt in the mid-20th century. It also has a semicircular arch and is made from pumice stone. It is 21.20 m long and the highest point of the arch is 5.55 m. The causeway is also paved with cobblestones and has a small wall along its entire length.
It is on the La Massana Royal Road which linked the parish with the capital, and in the surrounding area is the Romanesque chapel of Sant Antoni de la Grella.
This road bridge is dedicated to Sant Antoni Abad, the patron saint of the traginers, in honour of the people who brought goods down the river.