Puente del Paco in Sallent de Gallego
This 16th century bridge is called ‘el viejo’ or ‘del Paco’ as it links the district called ‘El Paco’ with the main part of the village. A wooden bridge has existed here since 1427 and was replaced by the stone bridge around 1565.
The millstone from the old flour mill
A lot of bridges were constructed in the valley around that time and this bridge was the final link in the route known as ‘Camino Real’ which linked Biescas with the French border and was important with the increase of trade between the two nations.
Views of Sallent from the new bridge
Initially the bridge had two arches one over the river and the over the water channel (acequia) that led to the mill. Once the mill was no longer used this second arch – and the water channel – were removed.
The church in Sallent with Peña Forata in the background
The newer bridge upstream was constructed at the end of the 19th century when advances in engineering allowed much stronger and more useful bridges to be built.
This brings back some memories. The weather looks pretty much like it did at the beginning of March. I was standing by the millstone having a drink after walking down across the fields from Formigal. Afterwards we went up round the reservoir behind La Fortata before heading back up to Formigal.
Sallent has the only hairdresser where you can look in the mirror and see out through the window and watch the red kites circling.
I went to a wedding in the church a few years ago. Definitely worth a visit.
Glad you enjoyed Sallent Chris – it’s a lovely village to explore. I’ll have to check out the hairdresser with the red kite views! The reservoir behind Foratata is called La Sarra and there are some lovely hikes that start from here up to Ibones de Arriel or Refugio Respomuso.