Talavera de la Reina is reeling from the sudden collapse of its ancient Roman bridge, known as Puente Viejo or de Santa Catalina, which occurred during the early hours of March 23, 2025. The tragic loss has left residents and officials in deep sorrow, marking a significant blow to the city’s historical legacy.
The destructive force of the Tagus River—currently flowing at historical highs—was cited as the primary cause of the bridge’s degradation. Heavy rainfall from four successive storms and the release of water from nearby reservoirs contributed to the increased water levels, which ultimately led to the collapse of two sections of the bridge that has stood since Roman times, with restoration efforts dating back to the late 15th century.
“This night is a terrible day for the history of Talavera. Our old bridge or 'Roman' has just collapsed. Today my heart as mayor suffers for this patrimonial loss,” expressed José Julián Gregorio, the mayor of Talavera, in a heartfelt social media post shortly after the incident.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, as the bridge had been closed to pedestrian traffic for weeks prior to the collapse due to ongoing flood risks. The closure allowed for precautionary measures to be initiated, protecting the public from potential harm caused by the rising waters.
By early morning on March 23, local reports indicated that the flow of the Tagus River had exceeded 1,000 cubic meters per second. An alarming indicator of the river’s strength, this level prompted emergency meetings among city officials and residents to monitor the situation closely.
Adding to the concern, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the president of the popular party (PP), was scheduled to visit the scene at 11:30 am on the same day to assess the damage, along with Castilla-La Mancha’s president, Emiliano García-Page, who attended an emergency coordination meeting in nearby Escalona before heading to Talavera.
As the news spread throughout the community, many Talaverans gathered along the banks of the Tagus, expressing their grief and disbelief over the bridge's loss. “It’s a tragedy for the city,” shared one local, highlighting the emotional impact this event has on the community. Another resident lamented, “We are hurting,” as they reflected on personal memories related to the historic structure.
The mayor’s expression of loss was echoed by the townspeople, who regard the Roman bridge as a symbol of their heritage. The bridge, built during the Roman Empire and remodeled in the late 15th century, had undergone extensive restoration, with the most recent being in 2002. Its collapse has led to calls for immediate help from various public institutions for the bridge’s reconstruction, as Gregorio stated, “We will fight to recover the Roman bridge… we will seek support from all institutions, whether it be the council, the region, or the state, so it can reopen to the public as soon as possible.”
In the wake of this disaster, officials have cordoned off the area to prevent residents from coming too close to the site, as safety remains a priority amidst ongoing weather concerns. Gregorio has recognized that the collapse is “a blow to the heart” of Talavera, and the community waits with bated breath for assessments from engineers and recovery plans from their leaders.
While damage assessments and planning for potential reconstruction will take time, the emotional toll on the city's residents continues. As expressed in countless conversations along the riverbank, the bridge was not merely a piece of infrastructure but a vital part of Talavera's identity and history.
As the community rallies together to cope with this calamity, urgency grows for official responses and support. The people of Talavera are hopeful that their Roman bridge can be rebuilt, allowing future generations to enjoy its beauty and historical significance. For now, however, the focus remains on safety and recovery as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic loss.
