Republic Bridge – Connection with Tomatina, Historic Centre and urban routes

In 1931, Arsenio Galán, since 1925 owner of the Galán mill machinery and lessee of the Galán mill, was elected mayor of Buñol. His local policies gave rise to a series of construction initiatives and improvements aligned with the governmental postulates of the Second Republic. Symbol and outcome of that spirit is the Puente de la República (also known as “Puente Nuevo”). Between 1983 and 1987 the bridge was expanded, with an annex built for pedestrian passage.

The Puente de la República in Buñol is the natural entrance to the historic centre and the access point for the climb up to the Castle. It crosses the Barranco de los Mudos and has become a place of great significance, not only because of its urban connection function, but also by being a mandatory passage of the famous Tomatina, where tradition and festivity meet each year. Beneath its structure remains an old air-raid shelter, now closed by a small grille, which recalls the town’s more recent history.