Suazo Bridge and Attached Fortresses historic site - San Fernando

Zuazo Bridge, of Roman origin and built in ostionera stone, was part of the Gades Aqueduct that transported water from Tempul to what is now Cádiz. Its strategic location, since it connects San Fernando with the rest of the province, except for the Sancti Petri tributary and Cádiz by calle Real, meant that it sustained constant assaults and attacks. This is why it is a symbol of the city, as shown in its coat of arms.

A series of defensive batteries protect the bridge which is also situated next to the Real Carenero, the old prop and rigging factory, supplies storage and dry pit installation.

It owes its name to the holder of the nobility title in the 15th century, who was the Judge of the Royal Council, Juan Sánchez de Suazo, who obtained the concession thanks to King John II of Castilla.

The current bridge was the work of the French engineer Louis Gautier who resided on the island.

Throughout history, the Island and Cádiz had to repel different attacks from the English, Dutch, Portuguese and French.

During the War of Independence, the bridge played a very important role, since the French assault commanded by Marshall Victor (Claude-Victor Perrin) Duque de Belluno during the Battle of Portazgo was foiled. So, room was made on the Isla de León and Cádiz with an army of 40,000 men, which lasted for two and a half years. And in 1812, the bridge’s central arch was destroyed to prevent the passage of the French, who retreated since it was impossible to cross the tributary. The bridge concentrated a large number of defensive batteries under the command of Captain Diego de Alvear.

Since 1996 it has been a Cultural Heritage Site.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Entrada Sur a San Fernando
(+34) 956 944 226

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