Mizarela Bridge or Friars Bridge, in Vila Nova

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Braga > Vieira do Minho > Sidrós

Designation

The Mizarela Bridge, also known as the Frades Bridge or Misarela Bridge, is an ancient medieval construction that crosses the Rabagão River, near its mouth at the Cávado River. It is an architectural marvel, with an impressive arch of more than 10 meters, perfectly integrated into the granite rocks of the gorge.

Location and Access

The bridge is located between the parishes of Ruivães and Campos, in the municipality of Vieira do Minho, and Ferral, in the municipality of Montalegre. Tourists can access it from two points: one from the Vieira do Minho side and the other from the Montalegre side.

Natural Beauty

The Mizarela Bridge is surrounded by lush nature. The dense vegetation, the impressive waterfalls, and the rock formations sculpted by the waters of the Rabagão River create a stunning landscape.

Heritage Value

The bridge has been considered a public interest asset since 1958. Its construction in the Middle Ages stands out for its ingenuity in crossing the rocky gorge.

Legends and Beliefs

The Mizarela Bridge is enveloped in ancient legends and beliefs that have endured over the centuries. One of them suggests that the bridge was built by the Devil himself in exchange for the soul of a criminal man.

Access from Vieira do Minho

Tourists can park in the parking lots of Vieira do Minho and take a route of about 15 minutes to the bridge. Along the way, it is possible to observe vestiges of the ancient Roman road that connected the region to the city of Bracara Augusta (Braga).

Access from Montalegre

On the Montalegre side, there is a parking lot with a fantastic viewpoint. The route to the bridge takes approximately 10 minutes.

History of the Bridge

Originally built in the Middle Ages, the Mizarela Bridge was rebuilt in the early 19th century.

Architectural Features

The bridge is supported by a single arch with a span of about 13 meters, located at the bottom of the rocky gorge, above the Rabagão River bed.

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

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