Puente Romano de Salamanca (Salamanca Roman Bridge), Salamanca
The Roman bridge of Salamanca is also known as the main bridge. It crosses the River Tormes, giving access to the southern part of the city. Of the 26 arches of the bridge, fifteen date from Roman times. It is in two parts, the old pedestrian Roman bridge, and the new Hispanic bridge, separated by a central headframe.
The date of construction of the Roman bridge is thought to fall within the reigns of Augustus and Vespasian, somewhere between 27 BC and 79 AD. An early popular myth claims the bridge was built by Hercules and later rebuilt by Emperor Trajan. It was built to connect Salamanca to the Silver Route (Via de la Plata), the old route to the south.
At the entrance to the bridge is the figure of a stone boar. Large stone boars or bulls were utilized to delimit land used for grazing or had some religious function. The mysterious boars are found throughout Spain.
The Tormes, like the Tagus, is considered among the most dangerous rivers in Spain for its chronic flooding. Major repairs were carried out in 1627 and 1767, leaving the bridge with eleven modern and fifteen Roman arches. In 1891 it was decided to build a new parallel bridge upstream.
The date of construction of the Roman bridge is thought to fall within the reigns of Augustus and Vespasian, somewhere between 27 BC and 79 AD. An early popular myth claims the bridge was built by Hercules and later rebuilt by Emperor Trajan. It was built to connect Salamanca to the Silver Route (Via de la Plata), the old route to the south.
At the entrance to the bridge is the figure of a stone boar. Large stone boars or bulls were utilized to delimit land used for grazing or had some religious function. The mysterious boars are found throughout Spain.
The Tormes, like the Tagus, is considered among the most dangerous rivers in Spain for its chronic flooding. Major repairs were carried out in 1627 and 1767, leaving the bridge with eleven modern and fifteen Roman arches. In 1891 it was decided to build a new parallel bridge upstream.
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Puente Romano de Salamanca (Salamanca Roman Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Puente Romano de Salamanca (Salamanca Roman Bridge)
Sight Location: Salamanca, Spain (See walking tours in Salamanca)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Salamanca, Spain (See walking tours in Salamanca)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Salamanca, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Salamanca
Creating your own self-guided walk in Salamanca is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Salamanca's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Salamanca 鈥� one of Spain鈥檚 most delightful and intriguing destinations 鈥� is a treasure trove of architectural marvels. The abundance of well-preserved, centuries-old wonders of construction tucked away in the labyrinth of narrow lanes in this prestigious university city is truly awe-inspiring. A true feast for the eyes, they are so impressive that the entire historic center of Salamanca was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Salamanca Introduction Walking Tour
Polybius, the ancient Greek historian, called it "Helmantike." Another ancient Greek historian, Plutarch, opted for "Salmatike." The word "Salamanca" itself refers to a "cave," "grotto," or "dark place." Legend says Satan taught Black Magic in the Caves of Salamanca.
Salamanca's splendor began with the royal charter of Alfonso IX... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Salamanca's splendor began with the royal charter of Alfonso IX... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles