Puente de las Chirimías - Granada

As we reach Paseo de los Tristes, we are overwhelmed by the almost ghostly sight of the Hotel Reuma, across the Darro River. To reach it we have to cross the Puente de Las Chirimías.

In front of this bridge is the sculpture that pays tribute to the dancer and choreographer Mario Maya, one of the contemporary references of flamenco dance.

The Bridge of the Chirimías was built, or rebuilt, between the 17th and 18th centuries, although it is very likely that in the Muslim period there was a bridge in the same area known as the Bridge of the Son of Raxiq (Qantarat Inb- Raxiq).

The original bridge collapsed completely in the 19th century, and the current bridge was built in 1882 with a semicircular arch, made of brick and masonry.

Its name, Puente de Chirimías, is due to the fact that it is located on the corner of Chirimías' house.

The term "Chirimías" refers to the musical wind instrument, which has a series of holes that can be opened or closed with the fingers. This instrument ends in a cone shape, and its sound is sharp, clear, penetrating and powerful. It was used in bullfights and stick parties, and was sometimes accompanied by drums and other percussion instruments. The Chirimías were used to play Renaissance and Baroque music, mainly dance music.

The Puente de las Chirimías is also known as the Puente del Monte de Piedad, as it is located next to the house that housed the first Monte de Piedad in Granada.

Willem Vandenameele