Pont Fortificat

Top choice in Costa Brava


Besalú’s fortified stone bridge is so old, it strains memory. The first records of the bridge date to 1075, though periodic modifications have bolstered its defensive structure. It was bombed in 1939 during the Spanish Civil War and repaired soon after. Today this exquisite pale sandstone bridge, with its two turreted gates and heavy portcullis, is an arresting vantage point for the loveliest views of medieval Besalú. From the bridge, there are peaceable walking trails along the river.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Costa Brava attractions

1. Jewish Square

0.06 MILES

Besalú’s thriving Jewish community fled the town in 1436 after relentless Christian persecution. It left behind a 12th-century riverside miqvé (ritual…

2. Hospital de Sant Julià

0.13 MILES

Of Besalú's ancient Sant Julià hospital, built to house pilgrims, only the 12th-century facade is original; it displays four intricately carved capitals,…

3. Monestir de Sant Pere

0.16 MILES

This Romanesque monastery dates from the 11th century and has an unusual ambulatory (walkway) with floral-motif capitals behind the altar.

4. Església de Sant Vicenç

0.16 MILES

The Romanesque Església de Sant Vicenç dates to the 10th century, though it has a few Gothic flourishes. It's normally closed, but you can peek in by…

5. Micromundi

0.18 MILES

Prepare to squint with increasing intensity as you enter this peculiar 2000-item museum. Peer through a magnifying glass at jewellery, figurines and tiny…

6. Santa Pau

7.66 MILES

With its tangle of slender cobbled lanes leading past flower-filled corners and pottery workshops to the attractive colonnaded Plaça Major, medieval Santa…

7. Castellfollit de la Roca

7.86 MILES

Aside from the hills, one of La Garrotxa's most remarkable geological sights is the town of Castellfollit de la Roca (10km northeast of Olot), teetering…

8. Monestir de Sant Joan les Fonts

9.65 MILES

Dating to the 12th century, this broad Romanesque riverside monastery is squirrelled away at the northern end of Sant Joan les Fonts, 6km northeast of…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "spain/besalu/attractions/pont-fortificat/a/poi-sig/1529079/1315765",
      "destination": "Costa-Brava",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Spain",
      "region": "Costa-Brava",
      "position": "superzone"
    }