Caliphate Bridge

A stone bridge dating from the 10th century, built on the old road from Cabra to Priego over the River Palancar, in the area known as Las Majadillas.

The best way to reach it is via a track that starts at km 17.340 of the road from Cabra to Alcalá la Real (A-339) and takes you towards the river. It formed part of the Caliphate road network, which broadly retained the ancient Roman organisation of transport links in the region and connected the cora of Baguh (Priego) with that of Qurtuba (Córdoba), the capital of the Caliphate. Hence, it is known as the ‘Caliphate Bridge’. It is the only surviving structure from the Caliphate period in the south of the province of Córdoba. It consists of a single, slightly cambered arch measuring some 5 metres in length and is built on limestone ashlars. Its preservation has required considerable effort on the part of various authorities due to the damage inflicted on its structure by the flooding of the River Palancar. One of the most significant restoration projects took place in 2018, carried out by the Córdoba Provincial Council. It is listed as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) and is one of the most important attractions in Carcabuey and the surrounding region in terms of heritage, tourism and nature. In 2019, the local council signposted the Sendero del Puente Califal (SL-A 259), a circular route linking the town with the bridge.