the original bridge across the minho river was built during the first century rule of emperor augustus though other sources state that it was built during the trajan period. a mention is made of this bridge in the will of doña urraca, where it is said that it was repaired with funds provided by ferdinand iii. from the middle ages, it has provided access to the city of ourense for trade and pilgrimage. the structure was rebuilt in 1230 by bishop lorenzo on roman foundations (original piers), and repaired in 1449 by bishop pedro de silva. it then measured long, with an arch span of . however, the main arch collapsed in 1499 and the bridge was rebuilt in 1679 to a length of with seven arched spans, the main span measuring . the height of the bridge above the water level is .