Puente La Reina / Gares

About this stop

A little about Puente La Reina / Gares

Puente La Reina, also known as Gares, is a historic town in the Navarre region of Spain. It is renowned for its Romanesque bridge, "Puente La Reina," which was built in the 11th century by Queen Doña Mayor, wife of King Sancho III of Navarre. The bridge was constructed to facilitate the safe passage of pilgrims across the River Arga, as they journeyed on the Camino de Santiago.

The town's strategic location at the convergence of the French Way (Camino Francés) and the Aragonese Way (Camino Aragonés) made it an essential stop for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. The Church of Santiago, built in the 12th century, is another notable landmark in the town, featuring a unique sculpture of Santiago Matamoros (St. James the Moor-slayer). Puente La Reina's rich history and architectural heritage make it an important and picturesque locality on the Camino de Santiago.