Bermaña Bridge

The Bermaña Bridge stands in the heart of Caldas de Reis, in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia, carrying the town's central crossing over the Río Bermaña. Its origins go back to the 1st century AD, when it formed part of a Roman road linking Bracara Augusta (present-day Braga) with other major settlements of Roman Gallaecia. What visitors see today is largely a 16th-century rebuilding raised on top of the remains of that original Roman structure.

What does the bridge look like today?

Built from cut granite in the sober stone style typical of Galician architecture, the bridge rests on three symmetrical, semicircular arches. Between the piers sit triangular relief openings, designed to let floodwater pass through and ease pressure on the structure during the river's high-water periods. Sections of the old stone paving used by generations of travelers still survive on the bridge's surface. A stone cross presides over the crossing, and four stone benches line both sides, offering pilgrims and pedestrians a place to rest.

Why does this bridge matter historically?

The Bermaña Bridge was never a minor local crossing — it was part of one of the Roman roads connecting the great cities of Gallaecia, among them Bracara Augusta. For centuries it served as the main way to cross the Río Bermaña, and as pilgrimage routes developed, it became a fixed point on the Camino Portugués, the Portuguese branch of the Camino de Santiago running from Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela. Generations of pilgrims heading toward the tomb of St. James have crossed the river at exactly this spot.

Is the bridge still in use?

Yes. The Bermaña Bridge continues to function as a working river crossing in central Caldas de Reis, carrying pedestrian traffic as well as single-lane vehicle traffic that alternates direction. It is a rare case of Roman-medieval infrastructure that hasn't been reduced to a roped-off monument but remains woven into the everyday life of the town.

Where exactly is it located?

The bridge sits right in the center of Caldas de Reis, a small spa town in the province of Pontevedra known for its hot springs and its long-standing role as a stop on the Camino Portugués. Its position next to the river, surrounded by the town's historic core and directly on the pilgrim route, makes it an easy and natural stop for anyone exploring Caldas de Reis on foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Bermaña Bridge? Its origins date to the 1st century AD and the Roman period, though the structure visitors see today reflects a 16th-century rebuilding carried out over the remains of the earlier Roman bridge.

Is the bridge connected to the Camino de Santiago? Yes, it lies directly on the Camino Portugués and has served for centuries as a crossing point for pilgrims traveling from Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela.

How many arches does the bridge have, and what is it made of? The bridge has three symmetrical, semicircular arches built from cut granite, with triangular relief openings set between the piers.

Can vehicles still cross the bridge? Yes, the bridge remains open to single-lane alternating vehicle traffic alongside pedestrian use.