The city of Talavera de la Reina in Spain is reeling from the tragic collapse of its ancient Roman bridge, a structure that has stood as a symbol of the community for centuries. Early Sunday morning, March 23, 2025, the bridge, known locally as Puente Viejo or the old bridge, partially collapsed due to the overwhelming flow of the Tajo River, which surged past 1,000 cubic meters per second as a result of heavy rains associated with Storm Martinho.
José Julián Gregorio, the mayor of Talavera, broke the news through his social media account shortly after the disaster, expressing his sorrow for the historic loss. “This night is a tragic day for the history of Talavera. Our old or Roman bridge has just partially collapsed. A terrible flood for the city. Thankfully, we had closed it to pedestrian traffic. Today, my heart suffers for this cultural loss,” he posted on platform X (formerly Twitter), along with a disturbing video showing one of the bridge's arches giving way.
Fortunately for the community, the bridge had been closed to the public, averting potential casualties during the catastrophe. Following the incident, municipal police promptly established a security perimeter, advising residents to stay away from the area for safety reasons. “We need everyone to exercise caution during these precarious times,” Gregorio stated in light of the disaster.
Locals were left in shock and mourning, as the bridge has not only served as a vital route across the river but is also regarded as a cultural heritage site, classed as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Residents expressed their heartbreak over the loss of such an iconic landmark. “It is a tragedy for the city,” one upset local told the press. “We are deeply hurt,” voiced another.
The Roman bridge’s origins stretch back to ancient times, with significant modifications and restorations, including notable work led by Fray Pedro de los Molinos in the late 15th century. The last restoration took place in 2002, according to the city's Tourism Office, aiming to preserve its historic character.
As Talavera copes with the aftermath, Mayor Gregorio underscored the city's commitment to rebuilding the bridge. “We will fight to recover the Roman bridge,” he affirmed, calling upon all institutions for support to expedite the reconstruction efforts. “We will request help from the province, the regional government, and the State to assist in its reconstruction so it can again become a place for strolls,” he pledged.
The collapse has captured the attention of political leaders beyond Talavera. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the president of the Popular Party, who had initially canceled a visit to Maqueda, is now set to visit Talavera today to assess the situation personally. “Much encouragement for Talavera de la Reina. This is undoubtedly a painful loss for the city and its history. The concern is critical right now. I’m in constant contact with the mayor, conveying our support and collaboration for him and his residents,” Feijóo remarked.
This unfortunate event is only one of the many consequences of the intense rains pouring across Spain, exacerbated by Storm Martinho, which has led to widespread alerts throughout various regions, including Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha. The floodwaters of the Tajo River have overwhelmed the city, necessitating precautionary measures throughout the community.
As officials face the challenging task of recovery and rebuilding, they remain vigilant in monitoring the weather conditions and the river levels. The government has activated emergency response teams and is coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of citizens amidst ongoing threats of flooding.
The authorities have already prepared for possible evacuations in light of the situation, emphasizing the importance of safety and timely responses amid potential dangers posed by rising floodwaters.
In the coming days, Talavera de la Reina will not only mourn the loss of its beloved bridge but will also stand united in rebuilding its heritage and shaping its future in the wake of this tragic event.
