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Infrastructure
Duero Brigde
Duero Bridge, also known as Duero-Esparragal Bridge, is a neighbourhood belonging to the municipality of Valladolid, located approximately 11 km south of the town, beyond the Pinar de Antequera.
This ancient village was established as a resting point for travellers on their way from Madrid to Valladolid. It was built around inns and taverns that provided accommodation and hospitality to travellers and shepherds.
The significance of this population centre was tied to a bridge of medieval origin that spanned the Duero riverbed and connected with Valladolid. The construction of this bridge enabled the Duero Bridge to become a passageway for the herds of Cañariegos, while also serving as a hostel for pilgrims coming from the Camino de Santiago Madrileño. This important enclave has a long-standing historical relationship with the Camino Real de Aragón or Senda de los Aragoneses, which linked the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile.
Duero Bridge has been a district of the city of Valladolid since 1960. This locality was previously independent, with its own council, although its lands belonged to the municipality of Valladolid.
Nowadays, it is a tourist destination famous for the Duero Beach Bridge, located on the banks of the river. The company has retained its reputation since the 20th century.
One of the town's most notable landmarks is the Church of Santa María de Duero. The temple is a relatively simple structure, constructed from red brick and featuring a basilica floor plan with a gabled roof. The tower is comprised of four sections, each separated by a cornice. The second section is the belfry.
The current church was constructed in the 1860s, with the architect Antonio Iturralde responsible for the design. It replaced an earlier church that was destroyed by the Duero River in 1860.
The Duero Bridge is a notable example of a medieval structure, although it appears to have replaced an earlier Roman viaduct. The original structure was demolished by French troops in 1812, and a new one was built in the middle of the 19th century. The layout was preserved in the form of an ass's back. Despite undergoing several repairs, the structure has been preserved to this day.
The bridge is 100 metres long and 3 metres wide, constructed from limestone. The structure comprises two pillars, situated in the river, with balconies on top providing protection for passers-by.
As for festivities: the feast of San Juan is celebrated on 24 June; on 21 September there is the pilgrimage of the Virgen del Henar, a feast with a long historical tradition; and on 8 September the patron saint's day is celebrated in honour of the Virgen del Duero, the day of the Nativity of Mary.