What to see in El Puente del Arzobispo (Toledo): traditional ceramics

Few towns make their origin as clear with the name as The Archbishop's Bridge.

Evidently, it was founded to protect the bridge that the 16th century had the Archbishop of Toledo Pedro Tenorio to cross the tagus river.

With current infrastructure we cannot understand the difficulties that centuries ago involved crossing a slightly large mountain or river on any journey.

Curiosities history of El Puente del Arzobispo in Toledo

A bridge could mean the only possibility of safely crossing a river for many tens of kilometers.

The archbishop owned some land next to the Tajo in the area where the pilgrim route passed to the Guadalupe monastery, riding a Caceres.

They had to cross the river in boats and accidents were frequent.

That is why the archbishop ordered the construction of a bridge that would allow the passage of the Tajo safely, which led to improved communications between Ávila y Lisbon since it provided a more comfortable route.

The benefits obtained from the collection of pontazgo rights must have been quite high and would justify the expense of construction.

In this way, a town arose on the shore that controlled and protected the bridge with the name of Villafranca de la Puente del Arzobispo, which over time the name was shortened.

How and where to see the Archbishop's Bridge in Toledo

El bridge over the Tagus It is the most prominent monument of the town.

It was built around 1380 with eight arches, although later, in the XNUMXth century, it was lengthened with three more to better resist any flood.

It should be noted that it is so well built that it continues to be used and the road passes through it.

As it is not very wide, it is considered a one-lane road and traffic is regulated by traffic lights to alternate the direction of vehicle traffic.

The population is located exclusively on the north bank of the river.

To see it, we can approach it by walking through the streets or by car, being able to park right on the other side.

From the shores we see the good construction of the bridge and how well the location was chosen.

Downstream, the river is sandwiched between ravines in a steep area where it is difficult to trace a comfortable path for travelers.

Upstream the river widens and makes the construction of a bridge impossible.

If we walk down the river along the bank we will see the remains of old mills and fulling mills, even before the foundation of the bridge.

Pedroso Gorge in El Puente del Arzobispo

From the parking lot there is a path that runs parallel to the Tajo and arrives, after traveling two kilometers, to the Pedroso Gorge.

Through it runs, enclosed between vertical walls, a small tributary of the Tajo, a place that is part of the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark.

An interesting detail is that, during spring and summer, the area is a paradise for birdwatchers since the largest colony of common martins on the peninsula is concentrated here.

The main arch of the bridge is full of nests of these migrant birds that spend the warm months here and then travel to Africa to winter.

What to see when visiting Puente del Arzobispo in Toledo

But in addition to the bridge, the development that it had since the 14th century has generated a certain artistic heritage or with a historic helmet which is well worth a visit.

It is possible to include the town of The Archbishop's Bridge in a route through the province of Toledo next to places like Oropesa and the abandoned city of Basques, in addition to other specific places such as Azután Dolmen.

Un walk through the streets of El Puente del Arzobispo It makes us discover churches and mansions full of history.

Plaza Mayor of Puente del Arzobispo in Toledo

The monumental center is concentrated in the Plaza Mayor.

The Santa Catalina church, old hospital and Town hall.

It will catch your attention that the benches in the square are decorated with scenes painted on tiles.

On the other side of the church is the house where the conqueror and colonizer was born. Diego de Villarroel, who founded the city of San Miguel de Tucuman.

strolling through The Archbishop's Bridge, you will see that it maintains an urban layout that must have changed very little over the centuries.

Traditional architecture in Plaza de Santa Catalina de Puente del Arzobispo

On that walk you will find many examples of traditional architecture, with arcade y whitewashed walls, and the Santa Catalina square It's a good place for it.

Another notable monument is the roll of justice, gothic and quite tall, which is located in the Royal Glen.

Where to see and buy traditional ceramics in Puente del Arzobispo

Nowadays the town is famous for traditional pottery.

In fact, Unesco In 2019, it included the artisanal processes of making ceramics from The Archbishop's Bridge and from the nearby Talavera de la Reina on the representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

There is a Ceramics Interpretation Center (c/ Matadero, 6) that reports on its history and current reality.

It reproduces a typical pottery from the early 20th century with an Arab oven and offers an exhibition of ceramics from all over Spain, with special emphasis on locally produced ceramics.

To visit it you must inform yourself and make an appointment by calling 925 436 162.

There are also quite a few shops and workshops where you can purchase some interesting piece from the famous local pottery.

A curious detail is that the artisans use the same clay for their works that common airplanes use for their nests.

The ceramic pieces, whether for decoration or for use, are usually decorated with different scenes.

The most traditional are the hunting scenes, since it has always been a very popular activity in the area, and the predominant color is green.

But there are also artisans who explore other paths, draw different scenes and use different colors.

What to see around Puente del Arzobispo in Toledo

Once The Archbishop's Bridge, can be used to visit other nearby places.

The best known is the ancient city of Basques, which is located on a private property and its access is restricted, so you must inform yourself before approaching.

How and where to see the Azután Dolmen in Puente del Arzobispo

A free access point of interest is the Azután Dolmen, which is located right next to the CM-4100 highway.

Just cross the bridge and continue for less than three kilometers until you find it.

It is difficult to see when driving since it is almost hidden under an oak and some almond trees.

There is a small place to leave the car a hundred meters before the dolmen on both sides of the road.

El Azután Dolmen is a megalithic structure More than 5.000 years old that is preserved in fairly good condition.

Entering the chamber through the corridor is like immersing yourself in ancient times, even if the cars pass just a few meters away.

The place was dedicated to collective burials and archaeologists have found remains of all kinds that tell us about a remote society that developed, millennia ago, on the banks of the Tajo.

Map: how to get to El Puente del Arzobispo in Toledo

The Archbishop's Bridge It is located 117 kilometers southwest of Toledo and just under two hours from Madrid.