Three-Arch Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Aveiro > Santa Maria da Feira > Fornos > Ponte dos Três Arcos

Location

The Bridge of the Three Arches (Ponte dos Três Arcos) is located in the village of Fornos, within the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira. It is set in a surrounding area that maintains a rural and tranquil character, next to the Ribeira da Laje, a natural element that the bridge historically served to cross. Its location, in the very area that shares its name, offers a serene environment and a direct connection to nature and the region's past.

Origins and Purpose

Built in the 18th century, the Bridge of the Three Arches is a notable example of the engineering of its time. Its construction had a vital purpose: to allow the passage of heavy loads over the Ribeira da Laje, namely granite. This material was transported by ox carts from the quarries of Mosteirô towards the Feira Castle and, from there, continued to Porto, making the bridge a crucial point on a commercial and logistical route.

Historical and Architectural Value

The Bridge of the Three Arches is an integral part of the old Mosteirô Road, a path believed to have been rebuilt over a pre-existing Roman road. The recognition of its historical importance was formalized in 1992, when the old royal road where the bridge is located was classified as a Property of Public Interest. This robust structure, composed of its characteristic three arches, served for centuries as the main route for the transport of granite and for inhabitants traveling to Vila da Feira, remaining in daily use until the mid-20th century.

Aesthetics and Environment

The architecture of the Bridge of the Three Arches, with its stone construction and the simplicity of its arches, integrates organically into the surrounding landscape. The bridge crosses the Ribeira da Laje, creating a setting where the human structure harmoniously unites with the natural environment. Observing the bridge allows visitors to appreciate its resilience to time and the discreet beauty of a work that witnessed centuries of history and movement.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt