bridge of Furelos

The Furelos Bridge is a medieval crossing over the Furelos River, right next to Melide, on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago.

Why does this bridge matter to pilgrims?

The Furelos Bridge has stood for centuries as one of the emblems of the Galician stretch of the Way of Saint James. Its existence is documented as far back as 1185, when it was mentioned in the Codex Calixtinus, one of the oldest and most important texts describing the pilgrimage to Santiago. Until the 19th century it was the only crossing point suitable for carts and horses, which made it a vital link on the Camino Real for more than seven hundred years, carrying pilgrims toward Melide and onward to the west.

What does the bridge look like, and why the unusual shape?

The structure rests on four unequal semicircular arches, giving it the distinctive humped "mule's back" profile typical of many medieval bridges along the Camino. It stretches almost 50 meters in length and 3.7 meters in width, a solid and functional design by the standards of its time, capable of safely carrying both walkers and pack animals.

Over the centuries the bridge went through several repairs and rebuilding phases. The most significant took place in the 18th century, when it took on a form close to what stands today. A later repair, affecting one of its walls, was carried out in 1979, helping the bridge survive in a condition that still lets pilgrims cross it on their way toward Santiago de Compostela.

What else is worth seeing around the bridge?

Right beside the bridge lies the small village of Furelos, part of the municipality of Melide. Pilgrims traditionally pause here briefly before reaching Melide itself, one of the more significant towns along the French Way. Next to the bridge stands the church of San Xoán (Saint John), forming together with the crossing a recognizable historic ensemble set into the Galician countryside.

Why is it worth stopping here?

The Furelos Bridge is one of those points on the Camino where the history of the route becomes something you can literally feel underfoot. Unlike many better-known landmarks along the way, the bridge still serves its original purpose — pilgrims cross it today exactly as their predecessors did centuries ago. It is a rare chance to encounter a tangible piece of medieval pilgrimage without reconstruction or a museum display standing between you and the stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Furelos Bridge? The earliest mentions of the bridge date back to 1185, when it was described in the Codex Calixtinus. Its current form, however, results from later rebuilding, mainly carried out in the 18th century.

Is the bridge still used by pilgrims today? Yes, the Furelos Bridge remains part of the French Way, and pilgrims cross it on their route toward Melide and onward to Santiago de Compostela.

How long is the Furelos Bridge? The structure measures almost 50 meters in length and 3.7 meters in width, resting on four unequal semicircular arches.

What else should I see in Furelos? Next to the bridge stands the church of San Xoán de Furelos, which together with the crossing forms one of the more recognizable historic sites on this stretch of the French Way.