Ponte Sampaio Bridge, Medieval stone bridge in Pontevedra and Soutomaior, Spain.
Ponte Sampaio is a medieval stone bridge that spans the Verdugo River with ten pointed arches, stretching approximately 144 meters in length. The structure features strong stone buttresses between the arches, which give it a robust appearance and contribute to its stability.
Built in the 11th century, the bridge was constructed as a strategic crossing over the Verdugo River. It became the site of significant fighting in 1809 when French forces were opposed by local defenders.
The bridge has been a crucial landmark on the Way of Saint James for centuries, connecting people traveling toward Santiago de Compostela. Visitors today walk the same path that countless pilgrims have followed over the generations.
The bridge can be reached via the PO-264 road that connects the two municipalities, providing straightforward access from either side. The walk across and around the structure is simple, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
A monument in Pontevedra's Plaza de España displays one of the bridge's pillars as a reminder of the fighting that took place here. This memorial creates a direct connection between the physical structure and the memory of the 1809 conflict.
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