Category: Archaeology > Way
District: Braga > Terras de Bouro > Campo do Gerês > Albergaria
This remarkable stretch of Roman Road XVIII, or Geira, winds through the heart of the wild and stunning landscapes of Terras de Bouro, immersed in the natural environment of the Gerês mountains. Its route extends from the vicinity of Santa Cruz, corresponding to mile XIV, to the Albergaria area, which marks mile XXXIV, crossing deep valleys and slopes, often flanked by watercourses. The surroundings are dominated by luxuriant nature, granitic rocks, and open views, offering an experience of communion with history and the mountain landscape.
It is located in an area of remarkable beauty, where human presence integrates harmoniously with local flora and fauna. The layout follows the topography, revealing the mastery of Roman engineering in adapting to the region's rugged terrain, providing visitors with a unique perspective on an environment that, for the most part, remains preserved.
Roman Road XVIII, locally known as Geira, constitutes a magnificent testament to the Roman presence in the Iberian Peninsula. This ancient road was built with the vital purpose of connecting Bracara Augusta (Braga) to Asturica Augusta (Astorga), playing a crucial role in the administration, defense, and trade of the Roman Empire. The stretch extending through Terras de Bouro is one of the best-preserved and most studied, offering an authentic window into the era when the Romans dominated these lands.
Its construction, begun in the 1st century AD, demonstrates meticulous planning and an impressive technical capability for its time. Traversing this route is, in itself, a journey back in time, allowing one to understand the grandeur and durability of Roman works and how they shaped the territory and the lives of its populations.
Along this segment of the Geira, visitors are confronted with multiple archaeological structures that attest to the complexity and robustness of the Roman work. One can observe significant sections of the original pavement, composed of carefully arranged granite slabs, which have withstood the passage of centuries. Also visible are the milestones, cylindrical or parallelepipedal stones that once indicated the distance traveled in Roman miles from the point of origin.
The engineering adapted to the terrain is evident in the rock cuts, which allowed for smoothing slopes and bypassing natural obstacles, and in the embankments, which elevated the road over lower or wetter areas. Although many associated structures, such as bridges, only show remnants, their original presence is undeniable and speaks to the magnitude of the effort undertaken. These elements offer a tangible perspective on the construction techniques and daring of Roman engineers.
The Geira route between mile XIV (Santa Cruz) and mile XXXIV (Albergaria) is an invitation to explore a landscape where history and nature merge harmoniously. The ancient path winds through dense vegetation, crossing forest areas and open fields, punctuated by the sound of streams and the presence of waterfalls. This remarkable integration of the road into the natural environment makes its discovery an experience not only of a historical-archeological nature but also of landscape enjoyment.
The reclassification of the Roman Geira underscores the growing recognition of its importance not only as an archaeological monument but also as a cultural and natural corridor. Walking on this ancient road allows one to feel the connection of past peoples to this territory, while simultaneously enjoying the serenity and untouched beauty of the Gerês mountains, where past and present meet under the same sky.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Nova
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.786797,-8.162235
Coordinates DMS: 41°47'12.5"N 08°09'44.0"W
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