The name Ponte Nova (New Bridge) suggests the existence of an older one built on the same site or in its vicinity and might refer to the São Brás or Assureira bridge. The Ponte Nova connected the Roman road that enters Spain by Portela do Homem (Serra do Gerês), passing through Entrimo (Spain), Ameijoeira, Assureira, Varziela and Castro Laboreiro.

The Cava da Velha bridge, built in Roman times, is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved historical bridges of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the most imposing of the various bridges in the area of Castro Laboreiro.

Like most Roman bridges, this was also the target of re-modelling in the Middle Ages, these elements being clearly visible. Whilst the lower parts of the structure and curvature of the arch are of well-fitted stonework and with cushioned staves, characteristics of the Roman period of the structure, the deck with irregular slabs and less well fashioned stone parapets, imparts the Medieval re-modelling.

Currently the bridge features an accented easel deck over two perfect arches of unequal size, reinforced by prismatic cutwaters upstream, and rectangular blockwork downstream.