Dona Maria Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Beja > Odemira > Santa Clara-a-Velha > Ponte Velha

Location:

The Dona Maria Bridge is located in the village of Santa Clara-a-Velha, in the municipality of Odemira, situated within the area known as Ponte Velha (Old Bridge). It is set in a tranquil, rural environment, crossing the Mira River. This isolated spot is characterized by its natural landscape, with the riverbanks densely covered by forest and water lilies, offering a picturesque and serene setting for visitors.

Since ancient times, this area has been a traditional crossing point over the Mira River, indicating its geographical and strategic importance throughout history.

A Historical Legacy:

Locally known as Ponte Velha (Old Bridge) and popularly as Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge), the Dona Maria Bridge is a significant historical landmark for the region. Although its construction is attributed to the early 19th century, around 1822, under the direction of master builder Francisco Lopes do Rosário, tradition points to the existence of an earlier structure at the same location. The designation "Roman Bridge" stems from its proximity to an ancient Roman road that connected Alentejo to Algarve, crossing the Mira River precisely at this point.

Throughout the centuries, the crossing at Santa Clara-a-Velha was crucial for communications, especially due to the need to cross the Mira River, which represented a major obstacle to land traffic. The bridge played a vital role in facilitating trade and the movement of people between the two regions, even facing the challenges posed by floods and the river's flow.

Characteristics and Evolution:

The Dona Maria Bridge, now in ruins, is an example of bridge engineering of its time, featuring a masonry construction system that harks back to models developed in Roman Antiquity. Originally, the bridge was composed of five perfect arches, although currently only two remain visible.

Measuring about 60 meters in length and 3 meters in width in its initial configuration, the structure comprised a horizontal deck flanked by masonry walls. It is still possible to observe the rigorous geometric organization applied to its piers and cutwaters, which stand out due to the contrast with the materials used. The breakwaters, piers, and arches were constructed with limestone masonry and reddish-toned sandstone, while the deck pavement was made of small shale and quartz stones.

Despite consolidation and enhancement interventions carried out in the 21st century, the bridge faced severe conservation problems throughout its existence, resulting in the partial collapse of some of its arches and piers. Its recognition as a Municipal Heritage Property in 2006 attests to its patrimonial value and historical relevance to the community.

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