Description of the attraction
Among the landmarks of Arequipa are not only its beautiful old houses built of cut stone, but also three impressive bridges, which are more than a hundred years old. The oldest bridge in the city, the Bolognese Bridge, is also built of cut stone. Its construction began on June 11, 1577 by the architect Juan de Aldan and continued until 1608. The total cost of the bridge was 150,000 pesos. Its thick arches, crossing the Chile River, connect Rue La Puente Bologesi with the historic center of Plaza de Armas, flowing into the picturesque panorama of the modern city.
At the end of the 17th century - the beginning of the 18th century, due to intense earthquakes (October 20, 1687 and August 22, 1715), the Bolognese Bridge suffered great damage and needed constant repairs, so workers who were repairing the bridge were allowed to build their houses near its foot.
In 1970, the Puente Bolognese Bridge became one of the main routes from the historic center to the modern Janahuara quarter with heavy traffic, which became a major factor in the physical deterioration of the old bridge. In the late 1990s, local authorities overhauled rue La Puente Bologesi and repaired the bridge, reactivated sewage and storm water, refurbished the motorway and widened the pedestrian sidewalk. Restoration work was also carried out on the historic facades and street lighting system, which included the participation of students from the Arequipa school workshop.
These activities helped to preserve the historical heritage of Arequipa for posterity.
