9.9.- CACHORRO BRIDGE: HISTORICAL CONNECTION

The city of Seville, rich in history and culture, is connected by numerous bridges spanning the majestic Guadalquivir River. One of these bridges, the Christ of the Expiration Bridge, is a significant architectural marvel that links the city with the Aljarafe region and the province of Huelva. Discover the history and unique design of this bridge in our post today.

The Christ of the Expiration Bridge is a steel structure known for its two flattened arches, each with an impressive span of 130 meters, without any supports beneath the water. These arches support a deck that is 223 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 30.5 meters wide, creating a stunning view. The design, conceived by José Luis Manzanares Japón, is inspired by the famous Alexander III Bridge in Paris. To enhance the experience for pedestrians, the walkways along the bridge are covered with white canopies that provide shade and relief on hot days.

The history of this bridge is intertwined with the restoration of a portion of the Guadalquivir River that had previously been interrupted by what is known as the "Chapina dam." In 1991, the decision was made to restore the river's old course, which involved removing this obstacle and restoring over four kilometers of riverbed. The bridge was constructed over the dry riverbed before the dam was completely removed.

The Christ of the Expiration Bridge gets its name from its proximity to the Patrocinio Chapel, from where the Brotherhood of Christ of the Expiration conducts its procession during Holy Week. This Christ is affectionately known as the "Christ of the Cachorro," and that is how the bridge has also inherited this name. Additionally, it is commonly referred to as the "Chapina Bridge" in reference to the surrounding area.

However, it was also popularly known as the "Leperos Bridge." This curious name arose because the bridge was built before allowing the river to flow through, leading to the creation of a series of jokes about Lepe, a place in Spain famous for its humorous jokes. The popularity of this name even led the Lepe City Council to play a prank on April Fools' Day in 1991, requesting that the bridge be officially named this way and that Lepe would charge a fee for it.

The Christ of the Expiration Bridge is more than just a steel structure; it is a historical link that connects Seville with its province and an integral part of the city's rich history and culture. Its impressive design and the names surrounding it tell fascinating stories that reflect the region's idiosyncrasies and sense of humor. A stroll across this bridge is a journey through time and an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Seville.