Puente del Paso Honroso, Medieval bridge on Way of Saint James in Hospital de Órbigo, Spain
Puente del Paso Honroso is a medieval crossing over the Orbigo River featuring around twenty arches of varying shapes and sizes that connect both sides of Hospital de Órbigo. The structure displays irregular spans throughout, with some sections showing distinct construction phases that reveal how it has been repaired and rebuilt across centuries.
The bridge was first built in the thirteenth century, replacing an earlier Roman structure that once carried gold trade from Las Médulas mines. Over the centuries it underwent repeated repairs and modifications to serve the changing needs of travelers and pilgrims crossing the region.
The name comes from a celebrated 1434 tournament where knight Suero de Quiñones challenged passing fighters for an entire month to prove his devotion. Visitors walking across today can still sense the connection to this legendary episode that transformed the crossing into a symbol of chivalry.
The crossing is open for pedestrians throughout the year and the surroundings have clear pathways for safe passage. Wear sturdy shoes as the stone surface is uneven, and be aware that certain areas can become slippery when wet.
The structure is notable for its uneven arches of varying sizes, with smaller openings built into one central section that reveal multiple construction periods. This feature demonstrates how the bridge was flexibly adapted to new demands over time without replacing its fundamental design.
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