Puente la Reina [Gares]

Camino Frances

Camino Aragonés

To end of camino
676.6
Altitude
350

Obanos

2.50

Puente la Reina [Gares]

5.00

Mañeru

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Correos
Cerco Viejo 9, 31100,Mon-Fri: 0830-1430 & Sat: 0930-1300,948 340 620
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Public Pool
Yes

There are a pair of churches in town that are worthy of a peek. They are the Iglesia del Crucifijo (with a rather distinct crucifix) and the Iglesia de Santiago (with its black Santiago).  The best view of the old bridge is from the new bridge.

Fiesta

Puenta la Reina celebrates Santiago as their patron, from July 24th to July 30th. They also have a few harvest festivals in September, including one which celebrates the red peppers that are grown in the hills between here and Eunate.

History

The name of this town is rather romantically attributed to the benefactor of the bridge over the río Arga. It is a nice sentiment, but not an altogether accurate one. In fact, historians quibble over which 11th century Queen had it built. One thing is for certain, banditry continued to present a problem to the growing town, and in the 13th century a wall was built to protect it.

It was rectilinear in shape and was not much bigger than the current town, and little remains: 

1. Calle Cerco, ‘cerco’ being the word for wall. Of the 26 original towers most have become part of private homes, the best visible example is the stonework inside Hotel Cerco. 

2. The city gate which opens to the bridge. Of the original 4 doors, it is the only one that remains.

The Road

The camino leaves Puente la Reina by passing over its namesake bridge. From there it turns left, crosses the main road, and follows a footpath. Shortly, it begins a short but steep ascent on slippery-when-wet terrain. It is not uncommon to find cyclists pushing their gear upwards. 

City Map

Comments

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Beautiful walking through the village. Lots of stores if you need stuff. Great restaurant choices. Loved my Albergue (Estrella)and the bridge.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The Albergue is clean, nice green space to hang out after a long walk. The dining room and kitchen were packed with people preparing their meal. There was a short wait for the showers upon arrival. At €9 each it is a deal.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Had the best meal of the Camino tonight at La Plaza. Food was great, wine was great, prices were reasonable.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Great price for private rooms in this centrally located Albergue, plus a kitchen, terrace with hammocks and cheap laundry washing. Recommend rooms 6 & 7 to have your own terrace.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

 I had a double room all by myself because no one else booked. I had a private bathroom because so few people there. I absolutely loved it. Also had a great balcony just off my room so I was able to dry my clothes on the line on my balcony. The only problem was the following morning. I was not able to send my Pack with Jacotrans because the bar was closed so I had to carry it on next morning. So if you plan to stay here, just make different arrangements to transport your bag if that’s what you wanted to do.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

I did not stay here, but I met some friends for a drink. They had an amazing outdoor bar area. That was beautiful. They also had a treehouse for Glamping. It looks like a lot of fun and my friends stay there and loved it.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

There is a good hike store in town

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Great accomodations. Beautiful room with Balcony. Own bathroom.. Super clean. Owner is very helpful.

Camino de Sant…

The good point about this place is they have a lift. Otherwise wholly unimpressive and tired.

Camino de Sant…

This very spacious, modern clean and comfortable albergué has one huge disadvantage - it lies across the bridge and up a long steep dusty drive that you really don’t want after Alto de Perdón. We rang ahead from the town and booked, struggled up the hill and were more than slightly peeved to see a people-carrier parked in the yard. Get a group together, ring and tell them to come and pick you up.