The Maria Cristina Bridge

Of all the bridges that connect the two borders of the Urumea river, my favourite is that of María Cristina, which for me stands out above that of Zurriola with its famous Art Deco streetlamps or the most sturdy Santa Catalina (which became famous not so long ago for a disastrous restoration of its polychromy). In addition to its own architectural value, it is a silent testimony of the city’s past. And it is that this bridge was inaugurated on the day of San Sebastian (January 20), 1905, being dedicated to the queen who since 1887 regularly spent the summer in our city, and who placed Donosti on the map.

(Photo: Maria Cristina Bridge/San Sebastián Turismo)

We could talk about the polychrome shields of the city and the province, or the northern station that is on the east bank of the river. But the best thing is if you go, walking or cycling, to keep an eye on it. And then explore the Paseo de Francia, Cristina Enea or the huge Tabakalera building.

But none of this explains why this is my favourite bridge.

And it is that with its obelisks crowned with formidable hippocampus, its vigilant dragons on the railings or from the top of the lampposts, as well as the masks of ships made with concrete that break the waters give it a fantastic air that I find irresistible. As if it had been torn from some impossible and lost place more typical of a book than of this world.