Ponte Vella

Ourense, Spain

Ponte Vella is a medieval footbridge built on Roman foundations in Ourense. At one time, it was considered to be the biggest bridge in all of Spain.

The original bridge across the Minho River was built during the first century rule of Emperor Augustus though other sources state that it was built during the Trajan period. A mention is made of this bridge in the will of Doña Urraca, where it is said that it was repaired with funds provided by Ferdinand III. From the Middle Ages, it has provided access to the city of Ourense for trade and pilgrimage.

The structure was rebuilt in 1230 by Bishop Lorenzo on Roman foundations (original piers), and repaired in 1449 by Bishop Pedro de Silva. It then measured 402 m long, with an arch span of 48 m. However, the main arch collapsed in 1499 and the bridge was rebuilt in 1679 to a length of 370 metres with seven arched spans, the main span measuring 43 metres.

References:

Wikipedia

Miscellaneous historic sites in Spain

Address

Rúa Ponte Romana, Ourense, Spain

See all sites in Ourense

Details

Founded: 1230
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Spain

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil (23,7 km)

User Reviews

Carly Celis (15 months ago)
It is a nice shopping center in Ourense. It has several shops.

Pandora’s Box (2 years ago)
If you want to go shopping for clothes,then for the weekly food products for home and besides,you fancy a cup of tea,coffee, a pint of beer or an ice-cream, PONTE VELLA MALL is your best option! Settled in the middle of the city,with nice views towards the river from the terraces of the cafés,clean and offering a lot of options, just saying the "thousand in one" place?, you have the day planned! If you come to Ourense from elsewhere,do not miss a visit to PONTE VELLA. And if you live in the city,just include it in some plans with your friends.

Diego Vizcaino Couceiro (2 years ago)
Erratically positioned stairs, low restaurants choice, long queue to stamp parking notice, but lovely Gadis market available

Hooshiar Zolfagharnasab (2 years ago)
Second time there after 4 years, but this time I had to pay for using parking. The mall is big and covers good options of brands. The food court is unexpectedly small, and no public tables. The restrooms are clean. It has a nice balcony with a good view of river.

howard mcfarland (3 years ago)
It's a very good malls as malls go. Attractive design with great assortment of stores and restaurants.

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Beckov Castle

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.