Pont Vell

Pont Vell is a medieval stone-and-brick bridge in Castelló d'Empúries, a Catalan town in the Alt Empordà region just inland from the Costa Brava. Spanning the Muga River with seven uneven arches, it has linked the town centre to the road toward Les Vernedes, Fortià and Figueres for centuries, making it one of the oldest surviving pieces of engineering in the area.

Where is Pont Vell located?

The bridge sits on the edge of the historic centre of Castelló d'Empúries, crossing the Muga, the main river of the Empordà plain on its way to the Bay of Roses. The town lies a short distance inland from the coast, between Roses and Empuriabrava, which makes Pont Vell an easy stop for anyone based on the Costa Brava. From the bridge it is only a few minutes' walk into the medieval old town, dominated by the Basilica of Santa Maria.

What is the history behind the bridge?

Local tradition long credited the bridge's construction to Count Pere I d'Empúries in the first half of the 14th century, but architectural evidence points to an earlier origin, with the oldest sections dating back to the 13th century. The bridge was built to improve trade and communication for a town that was, at the time, a significant commercial centre of the County of Empúries. Of the seven surviving arches, each differing in shape, height and span, only one — a semicircular arch — is built entirely of stone; the rest are brick, the result of later rebuilding work. Triangular buttress-like piers were added to reinforce the structure against the force of the river.

Why was the bridge rebuilt so many times?

Despite its modest size, the Muga is prone to sudden flooding, and the bridge suffered repeated damage over the centuries. Historical records document major repairs carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries, when damaged arches were rebuilt, often in brick rather than the original stone — a faster and cheaper solution at the time. This layered history of repairs means Pont Vell today reads almost like a timeline of regional building techniques, even though no single, unified design has survived intact.

What can visitors see at the bridge?

The irregular rhythm of the seven arches is the most striking feature, each one subtly different in shape and height, a visible record of the different building and repair campaigns. It is worth looking closely at the transitions between stone and brickwork, clearly visible from the riverbank, as well as the reinforcing piers that support the structure. The bridge also frames a fine view of the old town: from the banks of the Muga, the tower of the Basilica of Santa Maria — one of the largest Gothic churches in Catalonia — rises above the rooftops. A walk along the river connecting the bridge to the town centre makes a natural extension of a visit.

When is the best time to visit Pont Vell?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for exploring Castelló d'Empúries, with milder temperatures than midsummer and fewer crowds than the coastal resorts nearby. In summer, early morning or late afternoon visits help avoid the heat of the day. The bridge and its surroundings are open year-round and free to visit, with no set opening hours, making Pont Vell a convenient stop on any walk through town regardless of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Pont Vell? Its oldest sections likely date to the 13th century, although tradition long attributed its construction to Count Pere I d'Empúries in the early 14th century.

What is the bridge made of? It is built of stone and brick — of the seven surviving arches, only one, a semicircular arch, is entirely stone, while the others were rebuilt in brick during later repairs.

Where did the bridge lead? Pont Vell connected Castelló d'Empúries to the road toward Les Vernedes, Fortià and Figueres, serving as a key trade and communication route for the region.

Can visitors access the bridge freely? Yes, the bridge and its surroundings can be visited year-round, free of charge and without fixed opening hours, as part of the everyday townscape of Castelló d'Empúries.