Bridge of O Bibei

Ponte Bibei is a Roman bridge in the municipality of A Pobra de Trives, in the province of Ourense, Galicia, Spain. Spanning the Bibei River, it ranks among the best-preserved Roman bridges on the Iberian Peninsula and still carries local traffic nearly nineteen centuries after it was built.

When was the bridge built?

The bridge was constructed under Emperor Trajan, between 114 and 119 AD. It formed a key link in the Via Nova, the Roman road recorded as route XVIII in the Antonine Itinerary, which connected Bracara Augusta (modern-day Braga, Portugal) with Asturica Augusta (modern-day Astorga, Spain). Crossing the fast-flowing Bibei River was one of the most demanding stretches of that route, so Roman engineers gave the bridge an unusually sturdy design to withstand the current.

What does it look like and what is it built from?

Ponte Bibei has three semicircular arches resting on tall, rectangular granite piers. The bridge measures roughly 75 meters in length and 7 meters in width, with its central and largest arch spanning close to 19 meters. That slender yet robust profile allowed the structure to survive centuries of use; it underwent restoration work in the late 19th and early 20th centuries without losing its Roman character.

What was its purpose and how did it connect the area?

The bridge linked the lands of Trives with the Valdeorras region, carrying the road through what is known locally as the "curves of Larouco." For Roman legions and merchants, this was a strategic crossing that enabled efficient movement and trade along one of the main routes joining western Galicia with the lands of present-day Castile and León. The bridge remains in use today, not for heavy traffic but for local passage, standing as a living testament to Roman road engineering.

What is its heritage status?

Ponte Bibei was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument by decree on 3 June 1931. Together with the Freixo bridge, it is regarded as one of the two best-preserved Roman bridges in Galicia, making it a significant landmark of the region's ancient heritage.

Why is it worth visiting?

Few places offer the chance to see a fully functional Roman structure nearly two thousand years old, set in the scenic valley of the Bibei River amid the hills of eastern Galicia. The site draws history and archaeology enthusiasts as well as travelers looking for quieter corners of the Ourense province, away from the busier tourist trails. The surroundings are well suited to walking and photography, with the bridge's stone arches framed by the green valley and the sound of the river running beneath them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Ponte Bibei located? The bridge sits in the municipality of A Pobra de Trives, in the province of Ourense, Galicia, spanning the Bibei River.

When was the bridge built? It was built under Emperor Trajan, between 114 and 119 AD, as part of the Roman Via Nova.

Is the bridge still in use? Yes, Ponte Bibei remains in use today, making it one of the few Roman bridges in Spain still open to traffic.

Is the bridge legally protected? Yes — it has held the status of National Historic-Artistic Monument since 1931.