Roman Bridge of Alfundão

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Beja > Ferreira do Alentejo > Alfundão > Alfundão e Peroguarda

Location

The Roman Bridge of Alfundão is located in the town of Alfundão, belonging to the municipality of Ferreira do Alentejo, and extends over the Ribeira de Alfundão. It is situated in a tranquil, semi-urban area, next to Largo Inocêncio Ventura. This surrounding setting, with the river's course and the presence of a public laundry nearby, offers a glimpse into the local and rural life of the Alentejo.

An Ancient Legacy

The Alfundão bridge is a testament to the passage of time and civilizations. Although popular tradition directly associates it with the Roman era, integrating it into the area of a significant archaeological site with vestiges from that period, its current construction appears to have occurred in the 16th century. It is possible that this later work utilized or was built upon the foundations or elements of a previous Roman structure, perpetuating its original purpose of connection. Its designation "Roman" thus reflects a heritage and historical continuity that have spanned centuries.

Architectural Features

The bridge features a robust and functional structure. Built with stone masonry, mortar, and brick, it stands out for its gently sloping deck, higher in the center and descending towards the banks. This deck is paved with irregular stone, giving it a rustic and authentic appearance. Its side elevations are pierced by three perfect round arches, made of brick, with the central arch being larger. A low brick parapet protects the passage. The bridge underwent a general restoration in the 1980s, which included repairing the pavement and the parapets, preserving its original design.

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