Ponte Arnelas or Godparents' Bridge

The bridge, also known as ‘Ponte dos padriños’ (Godparents' Bridge), was built in the 16th century during the reign of Philip II to connect the municipalities of Ribadumia and Vilanova de Arousa.

Its name comes from a legend related to fertility rites.

According to legend, a pregnant woman at risk of miscarriage or difficulties in carrying a child must approach the bridge accompanied by an entourage, who will prevent any woman or animal from crossing the bridge. They will wait for a man to cross, whom they must ask to baptise or bless the womb with water from the River Umia.

The woman and her entourage must then offer and share a meal with the man there and then, and when they have finished, they must all throw the crockery used for the meal from the bridge and over their heads. If the pregnancy is successful, that man must be the godfather of the child and give it the name Alberto or Alberta in honour of the saint found in the cross on the bridge.