Archaeological site of Pont Vell

In the current Plaza del Pont Romà, popular memory still speaks of a “Roman” bridge that was actually built in 1765 to facilitate the north-eastern entrance to the town above the Canaleta stream. The bridge, of popular masonry with a single twined semicircular arch, was for a century and a half an access gate to Church Street and a symbol of urban growth outside the walls.

During the Civil War (1936-39) the structure was damaged and, in the 1940s, the work of channeling the stream and the new square ended up hiding its stupas. Historical and archaeological studies — led by Salvador Llorach and other local researchers — have refuted its supposed Roman authorship but have highlighted its value as an example of a modern-day bridge built using traditional techniques: double bowed arch of unedged blocks arranged “across”, a panel with a solid ledge and stones laid flat.

Although it is unknown if any foundations remain under the pavement, the site is listed in the Archaeological Heritage of Catalonia (code 5013) and any work in the square requires archaeological control. Municipal panels explain to pedestrians the evolution of the space, from river passage to urban crossroads. During the Philoxera festivities, the square is filled with the public without realizing that they are stepping on the path of a bridge that was once vital for chariots and trawlers.

Local historiography also calls it Pont de Cap-de-Vall, recalling its function as a link with the rivers of the term. Despite the physical disappearance, toponymy and research keep alive the memory of a simple but decisive engineering work for the development of Sant Sadurní in the late seventies.

Open to visitors: Yes
Free access
Accessible: Yes