Stone Bridge over the Tuela River

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Bragança > Mirandela > Torre de Dona Chama

Location

The Stone Bridge over the Tuela River is located in a tranquil rural setting, in the locality of Torre de Dona Chama, which belongs to the municipality of Mirandela. It is situated a short distance west of the village, integrated into National Road 206, and is a notable crossing point for those exploring this Trás-os-Montes region. Its position offers visitors a serene perspective over the river valley, where the landscape is dominated by surrounding nature, with lush trees and cultivated fields stretching along the banks.

A Heritage with History

Recognized as a National Monument since 1982, this bridge carries centuries of history. Although its current appearance reveals later interventions, its origin is attributed to the Roman period, perhaps dating back to the 3rd century. It was a crucial link in an ancient Roman road network that connected important centers of the Iberian Peninsula, demonstrating its historical relevance as a communication route. Over the years, it has undergone various maintenance operations, including significant consolidation in the 1980s, ensuring its preservation and the functionality it still maintains today.

Design and Materials

Constructed mostly from granite ashlar, the Stone Bridge is a robust example of ancient engineering, adapted over time. Its deck is flat and rests on six perfect semi-circular arches, all of similar dimensions, which give the structure remarkable symmetry. It is characterized by the presence of prismatic cutwaters, triangular elements that rise next to the arches up to the road level, designed to break the force of the river current. The solid granite parapets are composed of large dressed slabs, as was already described in 18th-century records.

The Natural Setting

The Tuela River, which the bridge gracefully crosses, flows from north to south, flanked by lush vegetation such as alders and poplars, which contribute to the natural beauty of the site. This fluvial setting provides a calm atmosphere and invites a more prolonged observation of the landscape. Near the bridge, it is still possible to find traces of an old granite block pavement that extended northwards, with visible grooves left by passing carts, a silent testament to the ancient paths that once passed through here.

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