Ponte Caldelas – Rock Engravings, Bridge and River Landscape

These themes offer different points of focus. As you plan your trip, start with the aspect that interests you most; this will help you choose local cultural and natural attractions with a clear purpose.

Heritage and History

The Tourón Archaeological Area covers more than 150,000 square metres and offers the opportunity to visit five rock engraving sites. The circular route within the area is fully signposted. If you include Tourón in your itinerary, you have two clear points of reference: the five sites and a route whose course is marked. Check local visitor information before setting off.

The Ponte de Caldelas crosses the Río Verdugo. The bridge dates from the 16th century, was built from granite blocks and has four round arches. A round arch is semicircular; the four arches and stone building material describe the architecture of this structure. The bridge also has a notable historical connection: during the Peninsular War of 1809, a battle against French troops took place at the Ponte de Caldelas. The structure and the history of the battle therefore give the town two specific cultural points of reference.

The Indian houses of Ponte Caldelas add another dimension to its heritage. They are regarded as valuable and irreplaceable heritage, as well as a symbol of a unique historical period. The distinctions are clear when choosing a theme: Tourón represents rock engravings, the Ponte de Caldelas granite construction and the history of a battle, and the Indian houses a distinctive cultural symbolism.

River Landscape and Trails

The Río Verdugo runs through the town and municipality of Ponte Caldelas. Dense woodland lines its banks, and the clear water becomes calmer in the town. The Ponte de Caldelas crosses the same river. This brings the structure and the river landscape together at a specific geographical point of reference. If you want to include both heritage and nature in your trip, the Verdugo provides a connecting thread between these themes.

Os Pasos represent a different way of crossing the river: they are used to ford it along the old road from Ponte Caldelas to A Lama. While the stone bridge and its round arches are the main feature of the Ponte de Caldelas, Os Pasos are notable for their use as a ford. River conditions can vary; bear this in mind when considering this type of crossing.

Two walking routes have different starting and finishing points. The Camino Real, also known as the Ruta dos Arrieiros, starts in the parish of Forzáns in Ponte Caldelas and ends in the parish of Marcón in Pontevedra. The Ruta das Almiñas y Foso do Lobo starts and ends at the church of Caritel. The first route therefore has two parishes as its endpoints, while the second starts and finishes at the same church. This comparison helps you distinguish the routes by their respective points of reference.

Festa da Troita

A festival date can also be important when planning a trip. The Festa da Troita has been celebrated in Ponte Caldelas since 1967 and takes place on the last Sunday in May. The festival includes an international salmonid fishing competition. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check that year's programme. This lets you take the recurring date into account without assuming that specific activities will be included.

Discover more destinations: Cores, Bueu, Tabagón, Salceda, Arbo, Baiona, As Quintáns, Silleda

Go to the main travel overview: Pontevedra.