Puente de Castrelos, bridge in Galicia, Spain
The Puente de Castrelos is a stone bridge spanning the Lagares River in Vigo, Galicia, measuring roughly 20 meters long with a distinctive round arch. The structure was built from granite blocks and features triangular piers on the sides that serve as buttresses and contribute to its stability.
The exact origin remains unclear, but experts suspect medieval construction, though the local name "Romana" hints at Roman connections. The structure underwent multiple renovations and was declared a Cultural Heritage site in 1991 after restoration work in the 1980s.
The name "Ponte Romana" suggests a supposed Roman origin, though the current structure dates from the Middle Ages. The bridge design with its distinctive piers reflects how people built river crossings and the importance these structures held for connecting local communities.
The bridge is located in an urban area near Castrelos Park and Balaidos Stadium and is easily accessible on foot. The river was canalized in the area, so water now flows north of the original position, keeping the bridge area dry.
Some of the original conical piers are now displayed in a nearby museum, showing that the structure changed over time. These preserved stones tell the story of the various repairs and adaptations the bridge underwent over the centuries.
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