Puente La Reina – Gares, Medieval town in Navarre, Spain
Puente la Reina – Gares is a small town in Navarre built along a main street that descends toward the Arga River. The settlement consists of traditional stone buildings arranged in a linear pattern, with local shops, guesthouses, and dining establishments scattered throughout.
Queen Muniadona commissioned a bridge over the Arga River in the 11th century to help pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela. The royal initiative transformed the settlement into a major stopping point along the pilgrimage route.
The town sits at a crossroads where two major pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela meet, and this history shapes how the place feels today. The layout of buildings and the way locals move through the streets still reflect centuries of welcoming travelers.
The town is easily explored on foot, with all essential services located on or near the main street. There are several accommodation options and restaurants offering meals at different price points.
The medieval bridge has stood largely unchanged since it was built and is a rare example of perfectly preserved Romanesque stonework. Many visitors overlook how precisely the six arches are proportioned and how little the structure has altered over the centuries.
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