San Antón Bridge Print, BILBAO

Art print from the Spain Series. San Antón Bridge

It predates 1318, even the founding of the town in 1300. For centuries, it was the only bridge crossing the estuary. The people of Bilbao used every resource at their disposal to prevent another bridge from taking away their monopoly on communication between the two banks.
It is the emblem of Bilbao, and this old bridge, also called the Puente Vieja, is depicted on its coat of arms. It dates back to the Middle Ages. This bridge held historical importance, as it was a vital crossing point for trade between Biscay and Castile. In the 15th century, criminals were thrown into the water beneath this bridge. This practice of execution, known as "pondamiento," involved tying a stone around the condemned person's neck and throwing them into the water.
It was rebuilt, once again, in 1937, after being blown up during the Spanish Civil War.

Printed sheet on 320 gsm paper. High-quality embossing. Measures 23 x 23 cm.