Action Plan for the Roman Bridge and Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate and

La Calahorra Tower in Cordoba

The integral restoration of the three monuments which make up the group: the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir river , the Puerta del Puente Gate and La Calahorra Tower. Fitting out the entire public space on both river banks, which make up the Group of Monuments, for its improvement and integration into the urban structure. Implementing an important public facility, the Visitor Reception Building, in the urban area foreseen within the urban planning design.

www.PuenteRomanoCordoba.es

Consejera de Obras Pblicas y Transportes. Junta de Andaluca. 2007

Configuration of the Group of Monuments of Cordoba. A new urban enclave for Cordoba
2003-2008 The Roman Bridge of Cordoba, flanked by the Puerta del Puente Gate on one side and by La Calahorra Tower on the other, has been the only North-South access link in the city for centuries. Inseparably linked to the historical evolution of Cordoba and its river, it has also been the construction which has undergone the most transformations as the years have passed, as a result of its role as the main communication link, its defensive role and the rises in the level of the Guadalquivir river, which have significantly changed its original appearance. The Action Plan by the Regional Ministry of Public Works and Transportation of the Junta de Andaluca for the Roman Bridge and Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate and La Calahorra Tower, attempts to return the past splendour of this emblematic Cordovan enclave, a witness to the historic evolution of the city, in addition to giving it a cultural function and tourist appeal. Furthermore, this restoration will add to the consolidation and revaluation of the Cordovan project as a candidate for the cultural capital of Europe in 2016. This Plan will act as the culmination to the set of actions carried out by the town council and other public administrative bodies, integrating the city with the Guadalquivir River, in the southern area of the historic centre. This new project by the Junta de Andaluca, is of particular importance as it encompasses the Group of Monuments, declared Heritage of Mankind, and provides access to the city. It will have a significant impact in cultural and tourist spheres in Cordoba and furthermore, will act as a clear example for the urban policy which the Junta de Andaluca is currently developing.

INTERVENTIONS The project by the Junta de Andaluca Regional Government for the restoration of this architectural and historical-monumental heritage is based on three main interventions: The integral restoration of the three monuments which make up the group: the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir river , the Puerta del Puente Gate and La Calahorra Tower Highlighting its present architectural-historical features and other features which, due to inadequate intervention work from a heritage point of view, have been altered. These features must be restored in order to facilitate a true, comprehensive, integral interpretation of this group of three monuments. Fitting out the entire public space on both river banks, which make up the Group of Monuments, for its improvement and integration into the urban structure Carrying out the works in line with the cultural and tourist emblematic character of the monuments, thus, creating a mainly pedestrianised space. Adjusting the grade lines in the surrounding areas at both ends of the Puerta del Puente Gate in order to recover the historical interpretation of this Group of Monuments.

Implementing an important public facility, the Visitor Reception Building, in the urban area foreseen within the urban planning design Strengthening the cultural-tourist role of this Group of Monuments. Using a high quality contemporary architecture, in line with the features of the surrounding area, in order to contribute to the definition of an urban space between the Puerta del Puente Gate and the Mosque-Cathedral and also revaluate the exceptional architectural and historical-monumental heritage of the area. WORKS The project undertaking the configuration of the Group of Monuments in Cordoba is divided into seven works: Urbanisation of the Surrounding Area of La Calahorra Tower of the Bridge The aim of these works is to equip the whole space around La Calahorra tower, so that it recovers its historic value, while at the same time organising the spaces which converge in this unique enclave, the first of this Group of Monuments.

Restoration of La Calahorra Tower of the Bridge These works aim to restore the whole outside wall of La Calahorra tower and adapt certain installations of the present museum. Consolidation of the Roman Bridge The purpose of these works is to consolidate the foundations and load bearing structure of the Bridge, in addition to restoring the stone slab flooring which comes into contact with the water depth of the river. Restoration and Urbanisation of the Roman Bridge The aim of these works is to integrally restore the Roman Bridge, equip the road for pedestrian use, adjusting it at both ends, and restore certain historical elements of the central structure. Restoration of the Puerta del Puente Gate The aim of these works is to restore all the walls of the Puerta del Puente Gate and equip its interior for permanent exhibition and as a viewpoint.

Visitor Reception Building The aim of these works is the construction of an emblematic building which houses the Visitor Reception Centre of the historic city of Cordoba, and the headquarters of the City Tourist Board. Therefore, this building will have exclusive spaces required for this function, including a large projection room to give a presentation of the city of Cordoba to the visitors. Urbanisation of the Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate The aim of these works is to equip the entire space for mainly pedestrian use, returning the historic appearance to the Puerta del Puente Gate, which results in a slight depression where the Roman Bridge and the River bank in this enclave meet.

In total, the project is divided into seven interventions, involving a total investment of an estimated 30,000,000 euros over five years.

Urbanisation of the Surrounding Area of La Calahorra Tower

The first intervention in the Action Plan is focused on the restoration of the Surrounding Area of La Calahorra Tower, an Arab construction by origin which, following several modifications, became a defense fortress at the time of Henry II of Castile (14th century). The topography of this surrounding area and, thus, its historical traces have changed as a consequence of hydraulic requirements. The purpose of this intervention is to provide an easier interpretation of the successive transformations which the site has undergone. This work will complete the work already carried out, with the purpose of channelling the Guadalquivir river where it passes through the city of Cordoba. This has involved, among other objectives, the removal of the structures attached to the La Calahorra Tower and the Roman Bridge. The intervention work also includes the relation of the Tower to the river and the thicket of the Sotos de la Albolafia, in addition to the lower park walkway in the Parque de Miraflores.

The aim of the Urbanisation Works in the Surrounding Area of La Calahorra Tower is to equip the whole space around La Calahorra Tower, so that it recovers its historic value, while at the same time organising the spaces which converge in this unique enclave, the first of this Groups of Monuments. This project which has a deadline of 24 months and an estimate of 1,732,487 euros, has the following aims: Create a new urban space opening onto the river, using the present historical elements, which joins the Parque de Miraflores with the Avenida de Fray Albino and forms the pedestrian access to the Roman Bridge. Return the complete appearance to La Calahorra Tower, at the downstream area of the Bridge. At the upstream area, uncover the Roman arch constructed by Henry II of Castile which is supported on the buttress joined to the cutwater of the last arch in the Roman Bridge.

 Integrate the remains of the walled enclosure into the area of

Remodelling of defence wall, between the La Calahorra Tower

the monuments. These remains are probably from the Almohad period, and appeared in the surrounding area of La Calahorra Tower.
Create a garden and riverside walk as a continuation of the

lower park walkways of the Parque de Miraflores, which will also act as the entrance to the mills and the natural monument of the Sotos de la Albolafia. The intervention will focus on the following actions:
Continuity of the road between the Avenida de Fray Albino

and the Avenida de Fray Albino, incorporating access ramps and stairways into the lower walkway. Fitting out the surrounding area with pink granite paving stones, specially designed urban fittings, streetlights and handrails. Construction of a wooden and steel footbridge under the last arch of the Bridge in order to link the walkways on each side of the Roman Bridge, which will be realized along with the Restoration, Urbanization, and Consolidation of the Bridge. When this integral remodelling project, which includes these works, has been completed, the Surrounding Area of La Calahorra Tower will be transformed into a strong architectural, urban, cultural and tourist enclave in Cordoba. In it, the Almohad walled enclosure, La Calahorra Tower, the area of the Parque de Miraflores and the future Provincial Museum of Fine Arts will converge.

and the access road to the Parque de Miraflores with wide pedestrian walkways and a bicycle lane.
Remodelling of the limestone wall constructed in the 1960s

which includes a moat, forming a route at the base of the barbican; this will act as a continuation of the lower walkway.

Restoration of La Calahorra Tower of the Bridge

The Restoration of La Calahorra Tower is included in the intervention work of the Group of Monuments in the Action Plan being carried out by the Junta de Andaluca. This construction has undergone continuous transformations: originally a singlearched gate providing access to the bridge, from the Christian conquest in 1236, it became a defence fortress. Following several additions to the Arab construction, it took on its appearance as a defence fortress during the time of Henry II of Castile (14th century), and it is this fortress which can be seen today. Nevertheless, La Calahorra Tower has continuously been the subject of successive repairs and has been adapted for various uses. The last of these took place in the 1950s with the purpose of giving it a more modern appearance as a monument and adapt it as a city museum. At present, this building is allocated to the Roger Garaudy Foundation, and holds a permanent exhibition of 10th century Cordoba.

The purpose of the Restoration Works of La Calahorra Tower is to restore the complete outside walls so that the extension stages of the monument during the 14th century are reflected in the bonding, dimensions of the ashlars and decoration. Furthermore, an attempt will be made to adapt the interior of the present museum. This project which has a deadline of 20 months and an estimate of 2,290,099 euros, has the following aims:
Restoration and consolidation of the outer walls of the La

Calahorra Tower, to prevent the progressive erosion of the ashlars.

Restoration of the walls and battlements of the barbican. Restoration of elements which have been eroded or went

missing with the passing of time.

 Replacement of the roof and restoration of the patio in the

Construction of a new roof. Renovation of the patio paving in the barbican, with a drainage

barbican.
Replacement of some installations of the present exhibition

space in its interior. In pursuit of these aims, the intervention work in La Calahorra Tower will include the following:
Cleaning of the outer parameters, removing the accretions

and water channelling system.

Adaptation of the interior electricity and air-conditioning

installations.

caused by climatological, biological and chemical agents.

Restitution of the missing pieces in the ashlars with lime mortar

to return their original aspect, or replacement with new ashlars.

Sanitation, strengthening and stabilisation of the stonework

or elements of the barbican, where the damage is more extensive.

La Calahorra has continuously undergone transformations and building processes; for centuries, new parts have been added to the building, and in some cases, there have been no evident links with the pre-existing stonework. As a result, there are differences in the quality, state and origins of the stones used in La Calahorra Tower. Therefore, it has been necessary to apply different methods during the restoration process.

Restoration, Urbanisation and Consolidation of the Roman Bridge

The Action Plan for the Group of Monuments which is being developed by the Junta de Andaluca Regional Government encompasses two significant interventions in the Roman Bridge of Cordoba. This monument is of special significance to the city not only as a wonderful display of architecture and civil engineering, but also for its function as a communication and trade link. The Roman Bridge has been the only access route communicating Baja Andaluca with the rest of the Kingdom of Castile for many centuries. It was not until the end of the 1950s of the last century that the San Rafael bridge was built in Cordoba to cross from one side of the river to the other. The obligatory, exclusive use of the Roman Bridge for more than 2000 years, the vicissitudes of war and, in particular, the frequent and violent flooding caused significant damage to its stonework and, as a result, numerous repairs and reconstructions have been carried out. The two interventions to be carried out by the Junta de Andaluca to the Roman Bridge of Cordoba which are considered of most significance within the Action Plan are: the Restoration, Urbanisation and Consolidation of the Bridge. These interventions will attempt to respect the transformations which the bridge underwent throughout history while at the same time incorporating new changes.

The Restoration and Urbanisation Works on the Roman Bridge aim to integrally restore the Bridge, equip the road for pedestrian use, adjusting it at both ends, and restore certain historical elements of the central structure. This project, which has a deadline of 24 months and an estimate of 6,615,030 euros, has the following aims:
Restoration of all the stone elements of the Bridge following its

formal, constructive guidelines, to return its stability and original appearance. The different size of the ashlars and the bonding which at present are covered, will reveal the successive repairs and reconstructions.
Restoration of the elements which, from the beginning of the

20th century, were erased by the modern interventions or which hid or distorted the distribution of the monument.
Adjustment of the contours of the road next to La Calahorra,

altered in the early 1960s when the bridge linked the Avenida de Fray Albino with the Paseo de la Ribera on the other side. The aim of this is to achieve a closer image of the original historical access to the city through the Puerta del Puente Gate
Fitting out of the Bridge to adapt it to its new use, that is, from

vehicles to pedestrian, and to the current lighting and ornamentation requirements.

In pursuit of these aims, the intervention will focus on the following actions.
Elimination of the ground covering and dry cleaning of the stone

in the sides of the walls, cutwater and vaults. Any plants and roots will be removed.
Restitution of the missing pieces in the ashlars with lime mortar

to return their original aspect, or replacement with new ashlars.

Removal of the constructed sections linked to La Calahorra Tower

The Consolidation Works of the Roman Bridge aim to consolidate the foundations and the load bearing structure of the Bridge, in addition to restoring the slab flooring which comes into contact with the water depth of the river; this will be carried out by using a support of large stones preventing erosion by the water at the base of the buttresses. This project, which has a deadline of 24 months and an estimate of 3,230,855 euros, takes in the following aims and actions:
Application of lime grout to all the buttresses and cement grout

in the 1960s.
Removal of parapet and moulded fasciae, built at the start of the

to the foundations and slab flooring.

Stabilising of the edge of the slab flooring, downstream, with

20th century, replacing it with a single limestone piece with no projections, which is more in line with the original image.
Replacement of the current road surface with pink granite flagstones

carbon steel sheet piling.

Cleaning of slab flooring and restoration with stone flagstones. Cleaning and drainage of the river banks in the surrounding area

using a cut similar to the medieval style which has been preserved.
Reconstruction of the balcony and the niche which were removed

of the Bridge.

at the beginning of the last century.

Restoration of the San Rafael sculpture. Replacement of current lighting with especially designed streetlights

positioned on the paving.

Ornamental lighting of the Bridge with floodlights at the cutwaters.

The full restoration of the Roman Bridge will provide a new image in the future, a new face displaying the successive transformations which it has undergone throughout history. A restoration of this scale must be based on the consolidation of the structural elements, guaranteeing the maximum survival of its outer appearance.

Restoration of the Puerta del Puente Gate

The Restoration of the Puerta del Puente Gate is one of the seven intervention works included in the Action Plan for the Group of Monuments which is being developed by the Junta de Andaluca Regional Government. This monument is almost five hundred years old. Dominating the right bank of the river, this monument, also known as the Arco del Triunfo, has undergone many repairs and restorations throughout its history. Curiously, the research carried out into its origin show that the two facades of the Gate were constructed more than 400 years apart. The south facade was built by Hernn Ruiz in 1570 for Philip II of Spain's visit to Cordoba, and is attached to the former Arab gate, while the north facade is dated in 1928 and was built when the walls were knocked down. The difference in the time of construction of both facades of the Puerta del Puente Gate explains the more extensive deterioration of the south facade compared to the north facade. Nonetheless, this

was not the only reason for the extent of deterioration. The south facade was also more affected by climatological factors, damp due to its closeness to the river, pollution and erosion caused by birds nesting there. The Restoration Works of the Puerta del Puente Gate aim to restore all the walls of the Gate and equip its interior for permanent exhibition and as a viewpoint, already fitted out in 1928 for this purpose. This project which has a deadline of 18 months and an estimate of 952,320 euros, has the following aims:
Restoration of all the architectural and sculptural elements of the

Gate, returning its original appearance.

Restoration of elements which have been eroded or went missing

with the passing of time.

 Fitting-out of the interior of the Gate for its subsequent use as

Replacement of the staircases leading to the hall and viewpoint

a small permanent exhibition hall and viewpoint by the Cordoba Tourist Board.

for better access.

Restoration of the structural elements of the inside space of the

In pursuit of these aims, the intervention work in the Puerta del Puente Gate will include the following:

Gate and its roof-viewpoint.

Cleaning of the outer parameters, removing the accretions caused

The Restoration of the Puerta del Puente Gate is the starting point of an operation which will return the historic appearance to the Gate. This will be achieved by creating a slight depression where the Bridge and Bank meet and shall be completed with the Urbanisation of the Surrounding area, the seventh and last intervention included in the Junta de Andalucas Action Plan.

by climatological, biological and chemical agents.

Restitution of the missing pieces in the ashlars with lime mortar

to return their original aspect, or replacement with new ashlars.

Restoration of the sculptural reliefs by means of their fixing and

consolidation.

Visitor Reception Building in the Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate

The construction of the Visitor Reception Building is one of the interventions included in the Action Plan for the Roman Bridge and Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate and La Calahorra Tower in Cordoba. This new building, located beside the Puerta del Puente Gate, will be constructed in two different sections. This structure will give the appearance of two different "architectures" which will complete the historical sequence of transformations which this Group of Monuments has undergone. This project will complete a complex and continuous set of open spaces and various structures; in their fortuitous layout and style, these display the changes in the construction which occurred over time. The aim of this project is the construction of an emblematic building which houses the visitor reception centre of the historic city of Cordoba, and the headquarters of the City Tourist Board; therefore, it will have exclusive spaces required for this function. The new building, which has a deadline of 24 months and an estimate of 4,751,788 euros, will have the following features:
It will be comprised of two separate sections: one attached to the

Each of these sections will contain the following rooms:

The front section will house the function and projection room and

a terrace with viewpoint. The main purpose of this room is to act as a setting in which we can present the city of Cordoba to visitors. It will measure 14.60 x 15 metres, seat 150 people and will have a multipurpose use. The back section will house public spaces. These include:
Integral information areas. A cafeteria which will seat 60 people and a shop. Exhibition hall in which the model of the city declared Heritage

of Mankind, containing interactive panels, will be located.

Basement: toilets, offices, other complementary areas. There is

also an open-plan space which contains the unearthed walls, of a Visigothic building from the 6th century; these are organised in such a way that they are give the appearance that they are floating. This section will also house the headquarters of the Tourist Board, which includes:
Offices of management and staff in the Tourist Board. Conference rooms. Toilets.

north party wall of the site and another located near the Paseo de la Ribera.
A pedestrian street will run between both sections and link the

surrounding area of the Puerta del Puente Gate to the newly opened street between calle Corregidor Luis de la Cerda and the Paseo de la Ribera.

Each of the two sections in the construction will contain the following features: The front section will be lower and of a similar size to the Plaza del Triunfo. The south facade of this section will also be moved forward towards the Paseo de la Ribera to provide an interior visual image of the wall. Their architectural characteristics will be as follows:
The site will be enclosed by 4.70 metres high perimeter walls with

There will be a space between the ground and top floor, in which

a ramp will be located. From here, the visitor will be able to see the cafeteria and shop.
It will have a panoramic lift and a suspended ramp made up of

two sections providing a view of the whole construction. Both sections will have roofs which also act as viewpoints, allowing the visitor to take in the spectacular views which can be seen from this unique enclave. The architectural features of the terrace in this section will be as follows:
Access by means of a carved staircase in the dihedral structure

a ground plan of 27.73 x 19.40 metres. Inside this, there will be a 219m2 dihedral structure with a stone veneer made of black stone from Cordoba, housing the function room.
Located between this dihedral structure and the western wall will

be a patio. A basin, also from the 6th century will be restored and positioned in this patio.
The roof of the function room will also act as a viewpoint.

and a glass lift.

Lattice paving using granite flagstones. Water depth complemented with aquatic plants and a sculpture. Benches on north and west sides.

The back section, which will be higher than the abovementioned section, will seal the present party wall, completing the block in front of the Muro de la Quibla wall. Its architectural features will be as follows:
It will have a 39.15 x 11.50 metre rectangular ground plan and

measure 10.96 metres in height, similar to the adjoining buildings.

The interior will have a single open-plan space on three levels

illuminated by a skylight (ground floor, top floor and basement which will all be linked).

The Visitor Reception Building will become a fundamental piece for the definition of the public space in the Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate. With this building, the distribution of the urban landscape which, to date, has remained unfinished, shall be completed, converting it into the link between the new and pre-existing architecture.

Urbanisation of the Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate to the Bridge

For centuries, the bank on the right-hand side of the river has continually been elevated in order to prevent the possible effects of the flooding of the Guadalquivir River, which progressively caused a slight depression at the Puerta del Puente Gate as the years passed. With the construction of the muralln (sturdy wall), which was started at the end of the 18th century and completed at the beginning of the 20th century, when the height of the river bank was defined. The restructuring of the section of the N-IV motorway converted the boardwalk into an authentic barrier between the city and the river and added to the aggression in the surrounding area of the monument, until the motorway was constructed. With the Urbanisation of the Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate, the last of the seven intervention works included in the Action Plan which the Junta de Andaluca Regional Government is developing, the historic appearance shall be returned to the Gate. In pursuit of this objective, the Paseo de la Ribera will be brought to the level of the route it had at the beginning of the 16th century, between calle Cao Quebrado and Santa Teresa Jornet, when Hernn Ruiz constructed the Gate, for Philip II of Spain's visit to Cordoba. An attempt will be made to lessen the sunken appearance of the Gate and provide an integral view of the monument by means of a slight depression in the level of the avenue at this point using a gently sloping structure.

This work will complete the complete remodelling of this surrounding area. This follows the trend which was begun in the 18th century when the Plaza del Triunfo and the San Rafael sculpture were constructed with the aim of modernising and opening up the city with this unique enclave, once the wall lost its defensive value. An attempt will be made to give a definitive shape to this square, defining the new grade lines and its eastern boundaires with the new Visitor Reception Building. The Urbanisation Works in the Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate have the aim of fitting out the complete space for mainly pedestrian use. This will result in a slight depression where the Roman Bridge and Bank meet at that enclave, facilitating the elimination of the current ditch and thus, the creation of a pedestrian boardwalk passing through the Puerta del Puente Gate. This project which has a deadline of 18 months and an estimate of 5,313,608 euros, has the following aims:
Lower the grade line by 0.90 metres at the point where the Roman

Bridge and the Paseo de la Ribera currently meet. This lowering will be carried out between the Paseo de la Ribera and the Muro de la Quibla wall and also between calle Cao Quebrado and calle Santa Teresa Jornet. Give continuity to the meeting point of the Bridge with the redesigned Paseo de la Ribera to the east and the Alczar and calle Santa Teresa Jornet to the west.

 Open a street which links calle Corregidor Luis de la Cerda and the

Paseo de la Ribera. This street will be in line with the facades of the Visitor Reception Building and the last building on the Paseo de la Ribera. The intervention will focus on the following actions: The current road surface, without pavement, will be rebuilt between the Gate and the Muro de la Quibla wall, as a continuation of the recently restored surface in the surrounding area of the MosqueCathedral. Muros cizalla will be erected on both sides of the Gate in order to provide a dual function to the routes: for the pedestrian route through the Gate and for specific vehicles on both sides of the Gate. The muralln (sturdy wall) of the Ribera on this section will be

lowered and a new stone parapet with similar features to the present one will be built. The bedplate will be replaced and will have a rail in the east section, until the limit of the intervention, by a new stone parapet. Construction of a staircase on the new street in order to resolve the uneven level between teh Plaza del Cannigo Torres Molina and the Paseo de la Ribera. Remodelling of the Paseo de la Ribera comprising a street of the same level lined with trees. The space reserved for specific vehicles will be marked out with pink granite paving stones, and there will specially designed streetlights and urban fittings. Creation of a balcony for panoramic viewing on the stretch of the riverside between the Bridge and the mill at La Albolafia.

Within the scope of the Urbanisation project for the Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate, the Junta de Andaluca will also deal with the integral sanitation works of the city on the right bank, in order to avoid direct dumping in the river. They will provide a large collector in the section between the end of the recent construction, with the remodelling of the Ribera, and the present area on the Paseo de la Ribera in front of calle Santa Teresa Jornet.

Action Plan for the Roman Bridge and Surrounding Area of the Puerta del Puente Gate and La Calahorra Tower in Cordoba
1 Puerta del Puente Gate 2 Visitor Reception Building 3 Roman Bridge 4 Calahorra Tower of the Bridge

Projects Designers:
Juan Cuenca, Architect Gonzalo Moreno, Civil Engineer