The Puente de la Rabia Legend
The Puente de la Rabia (“Rabies Bridge”) is a medieval stone bridge over the River Arga in Zubiri, Navarra, on Stage 2 of the Camino Francés between Roncesvalles and Pamplona. According to local legend, animals led three times around its central pillar were cured of rabies. The custom lasted until the mid-20th century, when a rabies vaccine became widely available. Today, pilgrims cross the bridge to enter the village.
One of the many legends on the French Way is linked to the pretty XII century medieval bridge over the River Arga in Zubiri, Navarra, half way between Roncesvalles and Pamplona (Section 1 of the French Way). The name Zubiri (a tiny village of just over 400 people) means ‘village of the bridge’ in Basque language (Euskera). Zubiri’s bridge takes the name of ‘Puente de la Rabia’, which would translate as Rabies Bridge in English.
Where is the Puente de la Rabia?
The bridge is in Zubiri, a small village in the Esteribar Valley in Navarra, northern Spain. It sits on the French Way, roughly halfway between Roncesvalles and Pamplona. This stretch is part of Section 1 of the Camino Francés, which starts in St Jean Pied de Port.
The village is named after the bridge: Zubiri means “village of the bridge” in Basque (Euskera).
What is the legend of the Puente de la Rabia?
According to local tradition, the bridge had the power to cure animals of rabies. Farmers led their livestock three times around the central pillar, and the animals were believed to be healed. Some versions say the ritual also protected animals from catching the disease in the first place, and that people sometimes came to the bridge seeking the same cure.
The bridge is also known as the Puente de Santa Quiteria, after the saint traditionally invoked against rabies. The ritual continued until the mid-20th century, when a rabies vaccine became widely available.
Why legends matter on the Camino
As well as meeting fellow pilgrims and connecting with nature, one of the joys of walking the Camino de Santiago is discovering the local legends, myths and history of each region. Stories like the Puente de la Rabia bring the heritage of the route to life and make each stage more memorable.
Visiting Zubiri today
After a long day’s walk down from the Pyrenees, Zubiri is a welcome stop. The shaded banks of the River Arga beside the bridge are a popular place to cool off on a hot summer afternoon. The village has accommodation, cafés and shops, which makes it a natural overnight stop on the Camino Francés.
Plan your walk: Walk the Camino Francés from St Jean Pied de Port with CaminoWays, with accommodation and luggage transfers included.
