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Culture
Bridge of Langa de Duero
The bridge known as the Bridge of Langa de Duero is situated in the municipality of the same name, in the province of Soria. The bridge is a magnificent structure with a rich history, dating back to the medieval period. The bridge crosses the Duero River in the middle of the town of Oradero, linking it with Langa. It forms part of the excellent monumental heritage of the town of Soria.
Some sources indicate that the bridge's past may be linked to the Romans, having been built over a previous Roman viaduct. This could be possible because there was a Roman road that connected Caesaraugusta (Zaragoza) with Asturica Augusta (Astorga, León) and crossed the Duero river.
It is believed that the origins of this infrastructure date back to medieval times, specifically to the 15th century when the Count of Miranda ordered its construction. The confirmation of this information was provided by the completion of the bridge rehabilitation project in 2021. This uncovered the original stone paving that was used for crossing the river. The support structure was designed to accommodate paving materials, such as crumb sand or rammed earth. Furthermore, several other devices from that and subsequent periods were identified that contributed to the durability and smooth functioning of the bridge.
The construction of the bridge was of great importance for the development of Langa, as it was one of the few existing bridges that allowed the Duero to cross during the confrontation between Christians and Muslims. The route also served as a passageway for goods, livestock and wagons, with relevance for the Western Cañada Real Soriana, which resulted in Langa de Duero becoming an important enclave.
The engineering work has been renovated and restored over time due to flooding of the river and general wear and tear. The bridge suffered significant damage in the 17th century, with the collapse of three arches in 1728 and a further repair in 1895. The bridge has remained in its current state since this last repair.
The Langa de Duero bridge is constructed from stone masonry and is over 100 metres in length. The bridge is supported by 12 semicircular arches and cutwaters at the foot of the piers that distribute the water evenly. The walkway features a tiled deck and lateral landings from which guests can enjoy views of the Duero River.