Mem Gutierres Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Sobradelo da Goma > Várzea

Location

Ponte Mem Gutierres (Mem Gutierres Bridge) is located in Póvoa de Lanhoso, in the locality of Sobradelo da Goma, crossing the River Ave in the Várzea area. Its location is characterized by a natural setting, where the riverbanks rise and are punctuated by granite boulders, creating a rural and picturesque environment. This setting invites visitors to observe the flowing waters of the Ave and the beauty of the banks that the bridge connects.

A Historical Legacy

Dating from between the 14th and 15th centuries, Ponte Mem Gutierres is a notable example of Portuguese medieval architecture, classified as a National Monument since 1910. Although its design evokes the robustness of the Romanesque style, its construction dates to a later period. Also known as Ponte da Esperança (Bridge of Hope), or sometimes as Ponte Domingos Terno (Domingos Terno Bridge), a name associated with its probable builder, this secular structure witnessed the flow of people and goods that historically crossed the River Ave on this important route.

Architectural Features

The bridge is characterized by its distinct humpback profile, with the arched deck displaying a gentle incline towards the center. Resting on a single broken-back arch, built with long and narrow voussoirs, its solidity is ensured by robust pillars that rise directly from the riverbanks. The deck's parapets, made of granite ashlar arranged in horizontal courses, complement its imposing and harmonious structure, revealing the skill of the master builders of the era.

Legends and Symbolism

Ponte Mem Gutierres is not merely an architectural landmark; it is deeply rooted in the region's popular legends and beliefs. One of the best-known attributes ancestral powers to it, namely the ability to promote female fertility. Other narratives, passed down from generation to generation, speak of rituals and legendary figures that contribute to the mystical atmosphere of the place. These stories, rich in symbolism, enhance the experience of those who visit the bridge, making it a meeting point between history and local imagination.

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