Bridge over the Cávado

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Braga > Barcelos > Barcelinhos > Misericórdia

Location

The Bridge over the Cávado is a structure that establishes the connection between the banks of the Cávado river, uniting the localities of Barcelinhos and Barcelos. Its position, in the Misericórdia area, in Barcelinhos, gives it a central role in the riverside landscape. From it, visitors can enjoy a view over the river and the surrounding nature, at a spot that invites a peaceful pause by the water.

Centuries of History

This bridge, also known as Barcelos Bridge or Medieval Bridge, stands as a historical landmark in the region. Its initial construction dates back to the period between 1325 and 1328, at the initiative of Pedro Afonso, Count of Barcelos. However, records suggest that its current form may have resulted from a later reconstruction carried out by Afonso I, Duke of Bragança, upon an already existing structure.

Over the centuries, the bridge played a vital role, not only for merchants heading to the great fairs held in Barcelos, but also as an essential point for pilgrims traveling the Portuguese Way of Santiago. In 1801, the structure suffered significant damage on its north side due to the collapse of the tower of the Palace of the Counts of Barcelos, which led to the need for extensive recovery works that restored its solidity. Since 1910, it has been classified as a National Monument, a recognition of its patrimonial and cultural importance.

Engineering and Aesthetics

The Bridge over the Cávado stands out for its robust construction and its medieval architectural features. It is composed of five unequal arches, with the central ones being higher and wider, an ingenious adaptation to the river's course. On its pillars, one can observe the cutwaters, pointed Gothic-style elements that not only reinforce the structure's stability against the current but also contribute to its visual harmony.

With a length of about one hundred meters, a height of eighteen meters, and a width of fifteen meters, the bridge incorporates a lateral balcony, specifically designed for the safe passage of pedestrians. This detail allows those who cross it to walk peacefully and appreciate the Cávado river and its banks, offering a privileged observation point over the natural environment and the surrounding landscape.

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