Lorraine Williamson
A section of the Puente Romano in Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, has collapsed following intense rainfall linked to Storm Martinho. The storm hit parts of central and western Spain late on Friday night, causing severe flooding and infrastructure damage across the region.
Footage widely shared on social media captured the dramatic moment one of the bridge´s arches gave way under pressure from the swollen Tagus River. The bridge, which spans the river near the city centre, had already been closed to traffic. No injuries were reported.
Bridge wrongly attributed to Roman origins
Although commonly known as the Roman Bridge, much of the current structure dates from the 15th century. It was reconstructed by the monk Fray Pedro de los Molinos and has also been referred to locally as Puente Viejo or Puente de Santa Catalina. The last recorded restoration took place in 2002.
The bridge, one of Talavera’s most iconic landmarks, is a key part of the city’s historical identity. Its collapse has sparked concern not only for local infrastructure but for the loss of a cultural symbol.
Unprecedented water levels overwhelm riverbanks
According to the Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo, more than 1,000 cubic metres of water per second surged through the Tagus when the bridge collapsed. That volume is equivalent to roughly 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools every hour. Riverbanks across the region overflowed due to continuous downpours and rising upstream levels.
Several other towns along the Tagus have also been affected. Twenty-five reservoirs are now on flood alert, and residents in nearby villages have been evacuated. Emergency services remain on standby.
Mayor and Prime Minister respond
Talavera’s mayor, José Julián Gregorio, said it was “a terrible day in the history of our city.” He has requested immediate assistance from both the Castilla-La Mancha regional administration and Spain’s central government. Officials are currently assessing whether the structure can be salvaged or must be rebuilt.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the situation on X, formerly Twitter. He wrote: “My solidarity is with all the citizens of Talavera de la Reina following the destruction of a symbol of the city. Count on the Spanish Government for the reconstruction of the Roman bridge. We will protect everyone’s heritage.”
Cultural loss beyond physical damage
The bridge’s collapse underscores the vulnerability of historic sites in the face of extreme weather. Talavera de la Reina is internationally known for its ceramic tradition—UNESCO recognised it as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019. The city’s painted tiles and pottery, in blue, green and yellow hues, reflect influences from Islamic, Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The collapsed structure, though no longer in daily use, served as a visual and cultural link to the city’s past. Authorities have sealed off the area and are warning the public to stay away due to the risk of further collapse.
Storm Martinho continues to affect other regions
While the immediate focus remains on Talavera, Storm Martinho is impacting other parts of Spain as well. Rivers in neighbouring provinces have breached their banks, and weather alerts remain in place. Meteorologists have warned of continued heavy rain and strong winds into the week.
The structural failure in Talavera is one of the most visible consequences so far—and a reminder of how climate events are placing historic heritage at growing risk.