Spanning the Cadagua River between Bilbao and Barakaldo, the Devil’s Bridge of Castrejana is one of the most legendary landmarks along the Northern Way of St. James. Known locally as Deabruzubi or the Witches’ Bridge, it has served merchants, pilgrims, soldiers and travellers for centuries.
Its most distinctive feature is the impressive single sandstone arch, designed to allow river traffic to pass beneath. The structure combines elegance and solidity, reflecting the engineering expertise of late medieval builders.
The bridge witnessed significant historical events, including fierce fighting during the First Carlist War in 1836, when Liberal troops attempted to break the siege of Bilbao. Its enduring fame, however, comes from local folklore. According to the best-known legend, a young woman sold her soul to the Devil in exchange for a bridge that would allow her to reach her beloved across the river. Just before the final stone was laid, a rooster crowed, dawn arrived, and the Devil lost his bargain. Other traditions attribute the bridge’s construction to the mikolases, mischievous supernatural beings from Basque folklore.
Today, the bridge remains a recognized landmark on the Northern Camino de Santiago, where history, pilgrimage and legend meet.
- Address
BI-3742 Basurto-Zorroza, Bilbao - Web
None - Visiting Hours
Always open - What to see
Bridge
