Vila Ruiva Bridge or Roman bridge over the Odivelas stream

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Beja > Cuba > Cuba > Vila Ruiva

Location

The Roman bridge over the Odivelas stream, also known as the Vila Ruiva Bridge, is located in the Alentejo region, in the parish of Vila Ruiva, in the municipality of Cuba, district of Beja, in Portugal. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers from Vila Ruiva, following the EN258 road between Alvito and Vidigueira.

National Monument

The bridge is classified as a National Monument since 1967, recognizing its historical and architectural importance.

Ancient History

The bridge dates back to Roman times and is still in use today, although only in one direction due to its width.

Roman Road

It is believed that the bridge was part of the ancient Roman road that connected Faro and Beja to Évora and Mérida.

Construction Phases

The bridge has undergone several construction phases over the years. It is believed that the first three pillars, made of granite, are from Roman times, probably from the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. There are also later reconstructions and additions, dating from the 5th and 11th centuries, which used old Roman materials, as well as new materials from the time.

Physical Characteristics

The bridge is 120 meters long, 4.9 meters wide and reaches a maximum height of 5.3 meters.

Structure and Arches

The bridge deck is inclined and has a low parapet along its length. The bridge is supported by a total of 20 arches, thirteen of which are semicircular and of different span sizes. The pillars also have openings (eyes) between them, with different span sizes.

Current State

The current view of the bridge is incomplete due to the silting of the stream, with 15 arches and eyes partially underground and not visible.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_romana_sobre_a_ribeira_de_Odivelas

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