If there's one place in Asturias that oozes history, it's the Roman Bridge of Cangas de Onís, or, as it's popularly known, the Puentón. Its robust and elegant silhouette rises above the Sella River, uniting the municipalities of Cangas de Onís and Parres, and for centuries it has been a must-see for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the purest essence of Asturias. Although its name may be misleading, This bridge is not from Roman times, but medieval, built in the times of King Alfonso XI of Castile in the 14th centuryHowever, its location is not accidental: it occupies the place where a bridge of Roman origin once stood, part of the road that connected Lucus Asturum (present-day Lugo de Llanera) with Portus Victoriae (present-day Santander).
A medieval bridge with a Roman soul
The current structure of the bridge, despite its Roman name, responds to Gothic architecture. It consists of three arches of unequal size, with the central raised arch being particularly noteworthy., which gives the bridge its majestic and characteristic appearance. Its function was always strategic: travelers, merchants and armies passed through here., perhaps even the first Christian warriors who, led by Pelayo, lit the spark of the Reconquista in Covadonga, just a few kilometers away.
Throughout its history, the bridge has undergone several restorations. The most important took place in 1876, when the municipality of Cangas de Onís carried out extensive repairs, leaving a commemorative plaque to commemorate it. Already in the XNUMXth century, After the Spanish Civil War, the bridge was restored between 1940 and 1943 under the direction of architect Luis Menéndez-Pidal y Álvarez., who also worked on the conservation of other Asturian monuments.
The Victoria Cross: a pendant emblem
One of the most iconic elements of the bridge is the large Victoria Cross that hangs from its central arch.This cross, an undisputed symbol of Asturias, was placed in place in 1939, coinciding with the return to Spain of the image of La Santina (Virgin of Covadonga), which had been evacuated to Paris during the Civil War. Since then, the cross has presided over this river crossing as a symbol of Asturian identity.
Curiosities of the Roman Bridge of Cangas de Onís
1· A seven-arch bridge
The original bridge did not have just the three arches we see today, but seven arches.Over the centuries, floods and restorations reduced its structure to its present form. Some of the stones from those old arches were reused in other parts of the bridge.
2· What is your height?
Gastric 21 meters.
3· How old is the bridge?
Although the bridge we know today is medieval, it is believed that Its Roman predecessor was used by the Muslim army advancing towards Covadonga in 718, led by General Alkama. According to legend, it was along these roads that Don Pelayo and his men managed to stop the invasion.
4. An improvised “triumphal arch”
In 1939, When the Virgin of Covadonga returned from exile in Paris, the bridge was decorated with flags and flowers. In addition, a a temporary triumphal arch on the new part of the bridge to receive the image of La Santina with all the honors.
5. A key spot for salmon fishing
The Sella River is famous for being one of the best places in Spain for salmon fishingAt the foot of the bridge, it's common to see fishermen patiently waiting to catch a good specimen. In fact, the bridge area has witnessed the capture of record-breaking Atlantic salmon.
6 The roman bridge It is part of the coat of arms of Cangas de Onís, along with the cross over the inverted crescent, alluding to the Christian victory over the Muslims at Covadonga. Beneath these symbols, The Latin inscription appears: Minima urbium, maxima sedium (The smallest of cities, the greatest of seats), recalling the glorious past of Cangas as the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias..
How to get to the Roman Bridge
Access to the Roman Bridge is simple, since It is located in the heart of Cangas de OnísThere are regular bus connections from Oviedo and Gijón, with a stop at Cangas de Onís station.
For those who wish to complete the visit, a few kilometers away is the Sanctuary of Covadonga, with its imposing basilica and the Holy Cave, where the image of the Virgin of Covadonga rests. From the bridge, you can also embark on hiking trails through the Picos de Europa, a natural setting of incomparable beauty.
What to see and do near the Roman Bridge
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Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
