{"id":120986,"date":"2025-06-09T20:09:17","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T20:09:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/?p=120986"},"modified":"2025-06-11T21:12:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T21:12:09","slug":"the-most-emblematic-bridges-of-the-portuguese-route","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/most-emblematic-bridges-on-the-portuguese-way\/","title":{"rendered":"The most emblematic bridges of the Portuguese Route"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Camino de Santiago on its <\/span>Portuguese route<\/b> is full of historical remains, among which its ancient bridges stand out. Many, of Roman or medieval origin, have facilitated the <\/span>passage of pilgrims for centuries <\/b>and still connect paths and cultures today.<\/span><\/p>\n

From <\/span>Mundiplus, your<\/b><\/a> Camino de Santiago agency<\/b><\/a>, we present a selection of the <\/span>most iconic bridges you will find on the Portuguese Way<\/b>. Each of these has its own history, architectural style, and special connection to the Jacobean route.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Peniche Bridge <\/b>(Tomar)<\/span><\/h2>\n

In the Portuguese city of <\/span>Tomar<\/b>, former seat of the Knights Templar, pilgrims leave the town crossing a beautiful medieval structure over the Nab\u00e3o River. It is a <\/span>unique Gothic<\/b> stone work with two pointed arches.<\/span><\/p>\n

Built in the <\/span>15th century<\/b>, this bridge bears witness to Tomar\u2019s rich Templar legacy and offers picturesque views of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Medieval Bridge of Barcelos<\/b><\/h2>\n

This <\/span>14th-century Gothic bridge<\/b> connects Barcelos with the village of Barcelinhos, crossing the C\u00e1vado River. It was built <\/span>between 1325 and 1330<\/b> by order of Count Don Pedro, and is characterised by its five stone arches, with the central arch higher than the others.<\/span><\/p>\n

Besides its significance for pilgrims, it played a strategic role in the <\/span>medieval fairs of Barcelos<\/b>, reflecting the town\u2019s commercial prosperity. Declared a <\/span>National Monument<\/b> in 1910, it still impresses those who cross it today with its elegant appearance and its historical legacy closely tied to the Camino.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roman Bridge of Ponte de Lima<\/b><\/h2>\n

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In Ponte de Lima \u2013 considered the oldest town in Portugal \u2013 there is <\/span>one of the most emblematic examples of the entire route<\/b>. This structure, begun in the <\/span>1st century AD<\/b> during the reign of Augustus, was part of the Roman road XIX connecting Braga with Astorga.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some foundations and arches from the original Roman layout remain. However, most of its structure <\/span>dates from the <\/span>14th century<\/b>, when <\/span>fifteen medieval arches<\/b> (two now buried) were added to strengthen the town\u2019s defences. The result is a long stone bridge combining Roman and medieval sections, an unmistakable symbol of Ponte de Lima.<\/span><\/p>\n

Crossing it means passing over the legendary \u201criver of forgetfulness\u201d from Roman mythology, a crossing that once terrified ancient legions but which Decimus Junius Brutus dared to cross, dispelling the myth. For modern pilgrims, it represents a precious milestone on the Portuguese Way, a <\/span>mandatory crossing for centuries<\/b> amid two of the route\u2019s most demanding stages.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roman Bridge of Rubi\u00e3es<\/b><\/h2>\n

In the mountains of northern Portugal, on the way to the Spanish border, the <\/span>Ponte de Rubi\u00e3es<\/b> allows pilgrims to cross the Coura River in a charming <\/span>rural setting<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like the previous example, it was part of the important Roman road XIX that linked Braga with Astorga. Although its Roman origins may date back to the <\/span>2nd century<\/b>, its current base is a <\/span>medieval ashlar structure<\/b> with three semicircular arches, the central one being the largest.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was restored in later periods and has been classified as a <\/span>Property of Public Interest<\/b> since 1961 in recognition of its historical value.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ponte das Febres <\/b>(San Telmo)<\/span><\/h2>\n

Between the Portuguese town of <\/span>Valen\u00e7a do Minho<\/b> and Galician <\/span>Tui<\/b>, the Camino passes over a small bridge <\/span>laden with spiritual significance<\/b>: the <\/span>Ponte das Febres<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This humble single stone arch structure is linked to the legend of Tui\u2019s patron saint. It was here that <\/span>Saint Telmo <\/b>fell gravely ill with fever in 1251 while returning from Santiago on pilgrimage. A commemorative plaque at one end marks the event with the inscription: <\/span>\u201cTraveller, here Saint Telmo fell ill in April 1251. Ask him to speak to God for you\u201d<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to tradition, the saint had to be carried back to Tui, where he died shortly afterwards; today his remains rest in Tui Cathedral and Saint Telmo is venerated as the protector of the city and sailors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Simple in appearance, it has been equipped with a <\/span>wooden walkway<\/b> to facilitate pilgrims\u2019 passage. Next to it, a metal box has been installed where pilgrims can leave their petitions to the saint.<\/span><\/p>\n

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International Bridge of Tui<\/b><\/h2>\n

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The entry point of the Portuguese Way into Spain is made by crossing the imposing <\/span>International Bridge over the Mi\u00f1o River<\/b>, which connects Valen\u00e7a (Portugal) with Tui (Galicia).<\/span><\/p>\n

Inaugurated in <\/span>1886<\/b>, this lattice metal structure (318 metres long) was designed by the Spanish engineer Pelayo Mancebo, inspired by the works of Gustave Eiffel. In fact, its iron silhouette, with the characteristic box-shaped arches, led to the popular \u2013 albeit mistaken \u2013 belief that Eiffel or his disciples were involved in its design.<\/span><\/p>\n

Built by a Belgian company, it was conceived as a <\/span>mixed-use viaduct<\/b>: vehicles and pilgrims on foot use the lower deck, while the railway runs above it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The official inauguration was celebrated with a symbolic event on 25 March 1886, when two trains, one from each country, met in the middle before an expectant crowd. This event marked the end of the era of barges and ferries to cross the Mi\u00f1o, starting a new phase of direct connection between Galicia and northern Portugal.<\/span><\/p>\n

For many pilgrims, this is the point where their journey begins. The <\/span>Portuguese Way from Tui<\/b><\/a> (about 115 km to Santiago) allows obtaining the <\/span>Compostela<\/b>, and this spot marks kilometre zero of that route. Crossing it on foot literally means having <\/span>one foot in Portugal and the other in Spain<\/b>, as two footprints engraved halfway along the span mark the symbolic border.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond its practical function, it has become an <\/span>iconic border symbol of the Way<\/b>: it unites two countries, two cultures, and the pilgrims from both banks in their joint advance towards Santiago.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ponte Sampaio Bridge (Arcade)<\/b><\/h2>\n

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After crossing the Vigo estuary inland, the route reaches the village of <\/span>Ponte Sampaio<\/b>, in Pontevedra, where it crosses the Verdugo River by a <\/span>bridge steeped in history<\/b>. This one also has Roman origins, although <\/span>the current structure is medieval<\/b>, elongated in shape and made up of 10 stone arches.<\/span><\/p>\n

This bucolic setting, surrounded by calm waters and vegetation, was curiously witness to a war episode: here took place the famous <\/span>Battle of Ponte Sampaio in 1809<\/b>, during the War of Independence, in which the Galician militias defeated Marshal Ney’s Napoleonic troops. At one end, there is a commemorative monument to the heroes of that battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, it offers a postcard-like scene, with fishermen\u2019s boats still stranded on the shore and views that seem taken from another time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pilgrims cross it after leaving the town of <\/span>Arcade<\/b>, treading the very stones that were once walked by Romans, medieval peasants, and freedom fighters.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Burgo Bridge<\/b> (Pontevedra)<\/span><\/h2>\n

At the entrance to the city of Pontevedra, pilgrims cross the <\/span>Burgo Bridge<\/b> to cross the L\u00e9rez River. Of medieval origin (<\/span>12th century<\/b>), it gave its name to Pontevedra itself, derived from <\/span>\u201cpons veteris\u201d<\/span><\/i> or old bridge. <\/span>It replaced an ancient Roman structure<\/b> on the XIX road that was already in ruins at the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Built of stone and with 11 semicircular arches spanning about <\/span>158 metres<\/b>, it was for centuries one of Galicia\u2019s most important examples, controlling the north-south coastal access. It is now for <\/span>pedestrian use<\/b> and has been restored with beautiful lighting and walkways.<\/span><\/p>\n

A very significant detail is that between its arches, on the piers, several <\/span>pilgrim shells<\/b>are carved, the unmistakable symbol of the Camino de Santiago. This decoration recalls its very ancient link to the Jacobean pilgrimages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Crossing it leads directly into Pontevedra\u2019s historic centre via the old <\/span>R\u00faa Real<\/span><\/i>. Many pilgrims stop to photograph the shells embedded in the granite, aware they are walking a <\/span>historic section of the Portuguese Way<\/b> that has seen thousands of pilgrims pass over the centuries.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Roman Bridge of Caldas de Reis (Berma\u00f1a)<\/b><\/h2>\n

In the spa town of Caldas de Reis (Pontevedra) is the <\/span>Berma\u00f1a Bridge<\/b>, which crosses the river of the same name. Originally built in <\/span>Roman times<\/b>, it retains the typical structure of three semicircular arches, although the current masonry and upper pavement date from the <\/span>Middle Ages<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medieval in appearance, it is equipped with stone parapets and small lateral recesses that served for pedestrians to pass. Every year, hundreds of pilgrims pass here on their way to Santiago, as it is located on the<\/span> Calle Real<\/i><\/b>, the main street running through the town.<\/span><\/p>\n

Crossing it also offers a picturesque setting: on one side you can hear the waters of the <\/span>Caldas thermal spring<\/b> and on the other side extends the old town with its church and gardens. Undoubtedly, it is an example of Roman heritage on the Portuguese Way, perfectly integrated into the current urban layout.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cesures Bridge (Pontecesures)<\/b><\/h2>\n

A few kilometres from the Compostela finish line, the Portuguese Way crosses the powerful <\/span>Ulla River<\/b> via the <\/span>Cesures Bridge<\/b>, between the municipalities of Pontecesures (Pontevedra) and Padr\u00f3n (A Coru\u00f1a).<\/span><\/p>\n

Its origins date back to the <\/span>1st century BC<\/b>, Roman times (around 25 BC). It was built as an alternative to cross the Ulla within the XIX road and features the characteristic <\/span>Roman stone construction<\/b> design. It consists of several semicircular arches \u2013 currently six are visible, although originally there would have been more spans \u2013 and has been reinforced and remodelled over the centuries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the passage of time, it remains in <\/span>excellent condition<\/b> and continues daily use, integrated into the N-550 road linking Pontevedra and Santiago. At night, the village lights and their reflection on the water offer a beautiful scene.<\/span><\/p>\n

Historically, it was a <\/span>strategic point<\/b>: Roman trade routes to Iria Flavia entered here. Centuries later, in the Middle Ages, the bishops of Santiago guarded this strategic river crossing. Not far from here, the <\/span>Towers of the West<\/b> were erected in Catoira to defend the route from Viking incursions.<\/span><\/p>\n

For pilgrims, this point symbolically marks the end of the major geographical challenges. After crossing it, only a few kilometres remain to Padr\u00f3n and the final stretch to Santiago.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Iconic Bridges on Other Camino de Santiago Routes<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Portuguese Way is not the only Jacobean route with notable historic bridges. Other pilgrimage routes also feature works of great cultural interest. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n