Discover Ourense XXI: Self-made postcard of two Ourense landmarks

Postcard 21 has travelled to Tubingen in Germany. Paula sent a postcard made by herself featuring two of Ourense’s landmarks.

Since its beginnings, Ourense has been famous for its hot water springs, which were greatly valued by the Romans who moved to the valley almost 2,000 years ago. Today it’s a reference for hot water springs in Europe, with a volume of over 4 million litres of medicinal mineral water flowing daily and a thousand year old hydrotherapeutic tradition.

The Roman bridge, which is one of the main symbols of the city, has been given various names such as Ponte Vella, Ponte Maior or simply A Ponte. Its importance is such that it appears on the shield of the city itself. The old Roman bridge used to be on the outskirts and was a transit point for travellers, merchants and pilgrims but was also frequented by thieves. The nearby Chapel of Los Remedios, built in the 16th century by Méndez Montoto, was intended to Christianise the area, which was a criminal stronghold. Unfortunately, it was burnt down in a recent fire.

Piscina termal de As Burgas. Autor: Miguel Villar

Ponte Vella. Fotos Antiguas Galicia

Postcard 21 is on its way to Tüningen, Germany!

Postcard 21 is a very special card! It was one of the winners of our Ourense-themedpostcard contest and it represents two of the most emblematic landmarks in our town: As Burgas and the Roman Bridge.

Its author, Paula Gómez (6º primaria) has written her own postcard and has sent it to Tony, our German friend from Tubingen, 1,967 km away! Hope he likes it!!

Thank you so much, Paula!

You can read about TUBINGEN in our section EXPLORING PLACES!

Discover Ourense IV: A Ponte Vella or Ponte Romana

This is the postcard sent to Jeef, from Holland. It features a night view of one of Ourense's emblems, A Ponte Vella or Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge).

The Roman Bridge is a bit of a misnomer because Ourense's oldest bridge was built in Medieval times (1230) on Roman foundations. The most appropriate name is Ponte Vella, Galician for “old bridge. It is a pedestrianised stone bridge spanning the river Miño and very often crossed by pilgrims following the Vía da Prata,  the pilgrimage route that links Santiago de Compostela with Sevilla.

Destination 4: IJMuiden (Holland)

Postcard 4 will go to...Holland! also known as The Netherlands. Jeef, our addressee, lives in IJmuiden, a port city in the Dutch province of North Holland.

Wanna know more about this coastal city? If so, visit our section Exploring Places!

Hope Jeef likes the postcard we have chosen for him, a night view of our dear Ponte Vella. Visit Discover our hometown to find out more about this historic bridge.