Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge), Zaragoza

The Stone Bridge is a historic and iconic structure that spans the majestic river Ebro in Zaragoza. This bridge, often referred to as the Bridge of Lions, earned its unique nickname from the addition of four lion statues, symbolizing the city, which were installed on the bridge's pillars in 1991. The distinctive lion statues were masterfully crafted by Francisco Rallo Lahoz.

The history of the Puente de Piedra dates back to the 12th century when the citizens of Zaragoza first endeavored to construct a bridge that would gracefully traverse the flowing waters of the Ebro. However, it wasn't until the years 1401 to 1440 that the bridge, as we know it today, began to take shape. The construction was carried out under the supervision of the skilled architect Gil de Menestral.

Over the centuries, the bridge has faced challenges, notably the devastating flood of 1643, which resulted in the destruction of two central spans of the bridge. This critical moment in the bridge's history left it resembling the image captured in the famous painting "View of Zaragoza" by Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo in 1647.

In 1659, the people of Zaragoza undertook the task of reconstructing the bridge. The brilliant architect Felipe de Busignac led the effort, restoring the two towers that had been destroyed and expanding the bridge's piers. A significant restoration took place in 1789 when architect Agustín Sanz strengthened the Ebro's banks near the Monastery of St. Lazarus, ensuring that the risk of flooding would no longer threaten the bridge.