Ponte Maceira
Camino to Finisterre and Muxia
The medieval bridge over the Rio Tambre is the highlight here, and in summer the river itself draws crowds -- locals and pilgrims wade in to cool off. If you'd rather just rest your feet, there are plenty of spots along the bank.
The one bar/restaurant in town is closed every Wednesday. Plan accordingly.
Cross the bridge and follow the road out of town. The camino parallels the main road from here, crossing and crossing back through the village of Barca. It feels unnecessary, but it keeps you away from traffic. Negreira, the next town with full services, is a few kilometers ahead.
The one bar/restaurant in town is closed every Wednesday.
The translatio legend -- heavily disputed but persistent -- holds that the disciples of Santiago, carrying his body from the Holy Land, were pursued by Roman soldiers. When they crossed this bridge, divine intervention caused the center span to collapse, stranding the Romans on the other side. Others say the miracle happened at a different bridge upstream or downstream. Regardless of geography, the story is recounted on the Negreira coat of arms and has been associated with this bridge for centuries.
Cross over the bridge and follow the road out of town. As is common in these parts, the camino will continue to parallel the main road, crossing and then crossing back through the village of Barca. It feels un-necessary but it keeps you away from the traffic. Negreira is the next city of note and has all of the services you could need.
NOTE: If you intend to stay in the Logrosa Albergue, watch out for signs before entering Negreira. They will take you to the left.
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