Magdalena Bridge, where pilgrims enter Pamplona
In the past, the Way of St James inspired cities and towns along the route to make their cities as beautiful as possible. Pamplona is the first major city along the French Way that starts in Roncevaux, and many of the monuments that are linked to the Way remain the most important in the Navarran capital. The Gate of France was the traditional entrance to Pamplona, but faithful pilgrims must first cross the Arga River by walking across one of the city’s most beautiful bridges: Magdalena Bridge. In fact, the bridge was the first part of the city pilgrims set foot in when arriving in Pamplona.
Architecture
The bridge has been made an Asset of Cultural and Historical Interest and is the second oldest in Pamplona after San Pedro Bridge. It’s Romanesque in style and dates from the 11th and 12th centuries, making it contemporaneous with the bridge at the village of Puente la Reina, approximately 23 km from Pamplona.
Magdalena Bridge was rebuilt several times and includes Gothic features and more modern elements from its most recent building work in 1963.
This medieval crossing is one of the most important bridges over the Arga River and is particularly significant because it’s the entrance into the city along the French Way of St James that starts in Roncevaux.
It has five large, slightly pointed arches, one of which is blind. It also has triangular starlings and semicircular discharging arches on the supports to make it stronger.
The centre part stands seven metres above the Arga River and it’s five metres wide. The slightly humpbacked appearance of Magdalena Bridge is formed because its central and side arches are different heights, as can be seen in their openings ‒ the main side arch is 15 m tall.
It’s said that the blind arch, on the left bank of the Arga River, was used many years ago by Pamplona’s wood industry workers to float trunks down the river.
Another eye-catching feature of the bridge is the three open windows above the columns and between the arches, which were built to relieve water pressure on the medieval bridge, especially during periods when the Arga swells.
If you pause at one of the far ends, you’ll see a cross -‒ one originally stood here that dated from the 16th century and marked the route pilgrims should follow to get to Santiago. The cross you see today was installed in 1963; it has a slightly damaged sculpture of St James, and several shells that were added later to emphasise its purpose.
Once you cross Magdalena Bridge, which is named after its local neighbourhood, you cross La Tejería Park to reach the city walls and the Gate of France, one of Pamplona’s remaining city gates.
Way of St James
For centuries, the bridge was the entrance into the first big city along the French Way of St James that leads through the Pyrenees. Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims have anxiously waited to glimpse Pamplona because it symbolises the end of the first mountain stage along their route to Santiago de Compostela ‒ crossing Magdalena Bridge is part of the route.
In hard times like the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, getting to the bridge also meant reaching services that weren’t available at other stops along the way, like a hospital, food and even a great cathedral where pilgrims could reinforce their faith.
In fact, thousands of pilgrims still cross the bridge on their way from Zubiri and Larrasoaña to Pamplona to end their day’s stage.
It’s such a significant point that, in 1965, the city of Santiago de Compostela bestowed it with a cross with a sculpture of St James and his shells, which now stands on the site of an older cross; it’s topped by the Virgin and Child to offer walkers even greater protection.
Where to stay in Pamplona
If you’d like to visit the capital of Navarre and see the bridge, one of the best options is the Occidental Pamplona. This four-star hotel is perfectly located for visiting the city’s monuments and places of interest.
It’s also close to Yamaguchi Park and has great train, bus, and aeroplane connections, so it’s an excellent choice if you’re planning to travel to other places across the region of Navarre.
All its rooms are designed for maximum comfort with everything you could need, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or the whole family. The hotel is firmly committed to ensuring the total comfort of its guests.
It also has a fantastic restaurant where you can enjoy delicious Navarran cuisine and international dishes, plus a lobby bar where you can unwind between excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Magdalena Bridge?
To get to the bridge on foot from the centre of Pamplona, take Calle de Vergel to Magdalena neighbourhood and you’ll see the bridge spanning the Arga River. If you’re travelling by car, park in Magdalena neighbourhood so you can visit the bridge without rushing.
Where is good to eat near Magdalena Bridge?
If you walk about 10 minutes to the centre of Pamplona, you’ll find numerous restaurants where you can enjoy incredible food; great spots include Asador Maitagarri and La Tortilla.