The Ourense bridge known as Ponte Romana, Ponte Vella or Puente Mayor, over the river Miño, was built in the 1st century AD. C. within a branch of the Via Nova road.

Its strategic location as a communications hub in the center of the then province of Gallaecia only increased during the following centuries, contributing to the development of the city of Orense.

During the 12th century, the main arch of the bridge gave way, leading to a series of endless repairs and collapses that did not end until the 17th century.

The final reform, directed by Melchor de Velasco Agüero, gave the bridge its current appearance, indisputably medieval despite the fact that original Roman elements are maintained, such as the arches at the beginning of it.

The opening of the Villacastín-Vigo highway led to the demolition of the existing tower on the bridge that appears on the city's coat of arms.

It was declared a historical monument in 1961 together with the Capilla de los Remedios, located next to the bridge.