Roman bridge of Salamanca

The Roman bridge of Salamanca, also known as Puente Mayor del Tormes and as Puente Prinçipal (main bridge), is a Roman bridge crossing the Tormes River in the city of Salamanca, Castile and León, Spain. The bridge originally dates to the period of Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, being built between 27BCE and 79CE and gave access to the southern part of the city. The bridge is part of the historic road known as the Vía de la Plata, passing between Mérida and Astorga. The bridge has had strategic, economic and cultural value to the region. The bridge has been rebuilt a number of times since its original construction, with the section on the right bank, to the city of Salamanca, retaining the majority of the original Roman construction. The Roman bridge of Salamanca has long had symbolic value to the city, including being a part of the city's coat of arms (along with its stone bull-verraco). Historic recognition includes being named an Artistic Historic Monument on 3 June 1931, and Bien de Interés Cultural in 1998. The bridge was the primary thoroughfare into the city until the beginning of 20th century.