Vizela Old Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Braga > Vizela > Caldas de Vizela > São Miguel e São João

Location

The Vizela Old Bridge is located in Caldas de Vizela, in the Union of Civil Parishes of São Miguel and São João, rising over the Vizela River. It is situated in a predominantly urban setting, although it retains some elements that evoke its connection to a Vizela with more rural characteristics. Its position, slightly downstream from the thermal zone, allows for observation of the river's course and the surrounding landscape, which mixes built structures with the natural presence of the waterway.

A Millennia-Old Heritage

This remarkable monument is a fundamental piece in the history of Vizela, classified as a National Monument since 1910. Although its current appearance is the result of a medieval reconstruction, the bridge has its roots in a much older structure. It is believed that its origin dates back to the Roman period, when it served an important road that linked the ancient city of Bracara Augusta (present-day Braga) to Mérida. Crossing it, one feels the passage through centuries of history and the connection to a distant past.

Unique Architectural Design

The Vizela Old Bridge stands out for its particular architecture. It features a deck that remains almost horizontal, with two gentle access ramps, and rests on three unequal, full arches, which gives it a very irregular and distinct profile. These arches are remarkably different from each other, contributing to its unique appearance. The robust granite construction is visible in its voussoirs, the buttresses that reinforce the pillars, and the triangular and rectangular cutwaters. An interesting detail is the small, full-arch oculus, located on one of the pillars above the buttresses, designed to help drain river water during periods of higher flow. Its massive stone parapets and the pavement of large granite slabs invite careful observation of its structure.

An Element of the Vizela Landscape

Still in use for the passage of pedestrians and vehicles, the Vizela Old Bridge is a symbol of the region's durability and living history. Its striking presence over the Vizela River, with its arches reflected in the water, offers an interesting viewpoint for those strolling along the banks. It is a place that invites contemplation of the landscape and imagination of the many lives that have passed through it over the centuries, remaining a solid testimony to the past in the heart of Caldas de Vizela.

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