Puente de Ribadiso

Ribadiso's bridge, image from Wikimedia Commons by José Antonio Gil Martínez

About to reach Arzúa, the French Way and the Primitive Way coincide. A kilometer and a half from the end of the stage, we cross the Iso River to reach one of the most bucolic places on the Camino. To enter Ribadiso da Baixo (the village on the banks of the Iso), we have to cross a medieval bridge that leads us to this village of slate houses.

A bridge to the Middle Age

The Ribadiso bridge was built in the 12th century, and is fully in line with the Romanesque architecture of the time. It is composed of a single semicircular arch, and is built with granite masonry and schist of poorer quality. The bridge road itself has been rehabilitated to facilitate the passage of pilgrims, although it does not fit with the aesthetics of the Romanesque style: it is noticeable that it is current. Given the flow of pilgrims who pass through there, in this way greater durability is guaranteed.

The bridge underwent later reconstructions, it is not known with certainty if in the 13th century or already in the 14th century. It coincides with the construction of the old hospital for pilgrims in Ribadiso. Now it has been rehabilitated as a hostel, and is considered one of the most beautiful on the French Way. Given that it is barely a kilometer and a half from Arzúa, many pilgrims choose to spend the night in this enclave.

Near the bridge we find a very accessible river beach, perfect for soaking our feet after the almost thirty kilometers that we have carried on our backs from Palas. If you don't dare to put your feet in the water, which will be cold at any time of the year, nothing happens. Enjoy such a privileged environment before reaching the hustle and bustle of Compostela.