Cavez Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Braga > Cabeceiras de Basto > Cavez > Ponte de Cavez

Location:

The Cavez Bridge rises majestically over the Tâmega River, in the parish of Cavez, belonging to the municipality of Cabeceiras de Basto. Situated in a predominantly rural setting, its position allows for observation of the fluvial landscape, with the riverbanks sometimes presenting steep slopes and, at other points, terraced fields where vineyards can be seen, contributing to a tranquil and picturesque natural scenery.

A Medieval Engineering Masterpiece:

Built in the 13th century, this bridge is a remarkable example of medieval architecture in Portugal, having been classified as a National Monument in 1910. Its authorship is attributed to Master Martim Esteves, and its structure is composed of five granite arches, with distinct dimensions and formats: three are pointed arches and two are perfect (round) arches. Approximately 95 meters long and 17 meters high, the bridge impresses with its solidity and harmony with the landscape. Over the centuries, it has undergone several adaptations and reinforcements, notably a widening in the 19th century to accommodate new roads and a more recent intervention in 2019, aimed at ensuring its structural preservation and the integrity of its pavement and railings.

Legends and Stories:

The construction of the Cavez Bridge is shrouded in legends that enrich its history. One of them narrates that Master Martim Esteves, also known as "Martim Marra", after the completion of the work, felt such joy and pride in the solidity and grandeur of what he had built, that he died on the spot, struck by that emotion. Tradition says he was buried next to one of the bridgeheads, under the inscription: "This is the Cavez bridge and here lies he who made it". Another legend states that its original construction in earlier locations was interrupted by a supernatural voice that repeated "Further up, further up", indicating the exact point where the bridge should finally be erected.

A Landmark in the Landscape:

In addition to its architectural value and the legends surrounding it, the Cavez Bridge played a crucial role as an important medieval thoroughfare. Its unique location marked, for centuries, the border between the ancient provinces of Minho and Trás-os-Montes. This particularity sometimes led to episodes of rivalry between neighboring populations, an aspect that was even portrayed in some literary works by Camilo Castelo Branco. Thus, the bridge is not merely a physical passage, but also a place charged with historical and cultural symbolism in the region.

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