Happy Bridge Day! Puente Paso Honroso Hospital del Orbigo.

[scruffy1]

I read the post concerning the bridge at Portomarin, the town and bridge an interesting story. However I fell in love at first sight with the bridge at Hospital del Orbigo. The historical legend is to well known to be repeated, somewhere I have even read a short story concerning fluttering banners, eerie trump calls, and armor flashing strangely in the moonlight from the southern side of Puente Paso Honroso. I know that the Spanish understand and have built wonderful bridges for almost a thousand years, the efforts demanded from walking the Camino eased with the building of bridges by episcopal command, so why oh why was the Puente Paso Honroso built with a kink in the middle and why oh why does it appear to be Spain’s first roller coaster-not a level step on the whole beautiful bridge?

 

[HedaP]

I agree, absolutely wonderful bridge! Can only imagine the extent of the flooding that would warrant building such a bridge. It would be a sight to see when the river is in full flood. My early morning photos are poor but do give an idea of the span and the cobblestones. I love that the smooth strip of stone running along the centre of the bridge is worn by the feet of the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who have gone before. I’m sure there will be heaps better photos out there but thought I’d get the ball rolling.

 

[HedaP]

Double dipping I know but here is a photo of the bar at the town end of the bridge that offers a great view of the bridge and passing pilgrims. They do a good breakfast and it’s a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the bridge.

Edit: Having a bit of trouble with the photos. They look OK in thumbnail but are not opening properly. Hopefuly just my internet connection. If not I apologise.

 

[Debora]

View attachment 38884

I ate lunch at the same bar...and it was really nice with locals eating lunch as well and a nice server and good food...and a bathroom!! lol. I wanted to stay longer...but alas more miles in front of me!