Puente Colgante (Manila)

Puente Colgante, meaning "hanging bridge" in Spanish, refers to two historical bridges in Manila, Philippines. The first and more famous Puente Colgante was the first suspension bridge in Southeast Asia. It spanned the Pasig River, connecting Quiapo and Intramuros. Built in the mid-19th century by Spanish engineer Matias Menchacatorre, it was officially named the Puente de Claveria, after then-Governor General Narciso Clavería, but it was more popularly known as Puente Colgante because of its suspension design. This bridge was a significant landmark and vital transportation artery during the Spanish colonial period, facilitating commerce and movement between the walled city and the surrounding areas. It was eventually replaced by the Quezon Bridge in the 1930s due to increased traffic volume and the need for a wider and more modern structure.

A second, less known bridge also carried the name Puente Colgante and was located in what is now Paco. This bridge was also a suspension bridge that spanned the Estero de Paco. Its history is less well-documented than the more famous Pasig River bridge, but it served a similar purpose of connecting communities separated by a waterway. It too no longer exists.

Therefore, Puente Colgante is used in historical contexts when referencing Manila's bridge infrastructure during the Spanish colonial era, primarily referencing the bridge that crossed the Pasig River.