Cangas de Onís Roman Bridge

The Cangas de Onís Roman Bridge is a medieval stone crossing over the Sella River in northern Spain, built with three arches of different sizes. The taller central arch stands between two lower asymmetrical side arches that adjust to the riverbank.

Alfonso XI of Castile commissioned the structure in the 13th century to replace an earlier Roman crossing on the route to Portus Victoriae. Since then it has linked both sides of the river for travelers and traders in the region.

The middle arch carries a replica of the Victory Cross, which visitors recognize immediately as an emblem of Asturias. This copy was placed in 1939 when the Virgin of Covadonga returned to Spain from Paris.

Visitors can cross the stone roadway and watch anglers catching salmon in the Sella during different seasons. The crossing lies near the town center and remains accessible throughout the day.

The structure appears on the municipal coat of arms of Cangas de Onís alongside an oak cross over an inverted crescent, recalling the battle of Covadonga. This depiction joins two landmarks of Asturian identity in a single symbol.

Location: Cangues d'Onís

Location: Parres

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 43.35010,-5.13204

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28