Walking along the Carrera del Darro in Granada, you'll come across the Puente de Cabrera, a modest stone bridge that connects this historic riverside street with the Churra neighborhood. While it might not be the most famous crossing in the city, it occupies one of the most atmospheric spots along the Darro River.

The bridge itself is quite simple in design - a single, slightly flattened arch built with brick and local stone masonry. What makes it special isn't its grandeur but rather its perfect integration into the surrounding medieval landscape. From here, you get lovely views of the traditional houses that line both sides of the river, their balconies and terraces creating that quintessential Granadan scene that photographers love.

The bridge takes its name from Don Pedro Cabrera y Jaques de Mansilla, who held the position of lieutenant of the Generalife. Like several other bridges along this stretch of the Darro, it was likely constructed in the early 17th century during a major urban renovation. This rebuilding became necessary after a gunpowder depot exploded near the San Pedro church in 1590, causing significant damage to the area and forcing city planners to rethink the entire riverside layout.

What I find particularly appealing about this spot is how it serves as a gateway to some hidden corners of Granada's old quarter. Cross the bridge and you'll find yourself climbing the Cuesta de Santa Inés, where the late 16th-century Casa de Agreda still stands. The narrow streets here feel wonderfully untouched by tourism, with their Hispano-Muslim urban planning still evident in the occasional dead-end alleyways.

The area around Puente de Cabrera also puts you within easy reach of other historic bridges like the nearby Puente de Espinosa, and you're not far from the ancient Puerta de los Tableros, which once connected the Albaicín with the Alhambra.

Evening walks along this part of the Carrera del Darro have a particular charm. The light hits the old stone just right, and there's usually a gentle murmur of water below. If you want to learn more about the historical context of these riverside crossings, an audio guide can provide additional insights about how this entire waterfront area evolved over the centuries.