Our Lady of Wednesday Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Castelo Branco > Castelo Branco > Castelo Branco > Ponte da Senhora de Mércoles

Location

The area known as Ponte da Senhora de Mércoles is located on the outskirts of Castelo Branco, approximately three kilometers from the city center. It is an area that offers a more tranquil environment, away from the urban hustle and bustle, inviting moments of serenity.

In this place, the main point of interest is the sanctuary that stands there, known as the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Mércoles. Its presence marks the landscape and serves as the primary reference for naming the entire surrounding area.

Historical Roots

The history of this place dates back to ancient times, with tradition pointing to a connection with the Knights Templar in the construction or reconstruction of the sanctuary. The origin of the name "Mércoles" is curious and suggests a connection to a pagan past, possibly linked to a cult dedicated to the Roman god Mercury, which in Antiquity took place around mid-May. Over time, Christianity would have incorporated and transformed this devotion, dedicating the site to the Virgin Mary under the invocation of Mércoles.

It is not certain when the devotion to Our Lady began at this site, but her presence predates the construction of the current chapel, witnessing a devotion that has lasted for centuries.

Architectural Features

The architecture of the Senhora de Mércoles sanctuary presents characteristics that deserve attention. Notable are its ogival entrance and side portals, which give it a distinct appearance. Inside, visitors can observe beautiful tiles, thought to be of Hispano-Moorish influence, and remnants of frescoes that tell stories of other times.

The sanctuary's structure consists of a single nave and an apsidal chapel. Throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, the building underwent several significant interventions and works that contributed to its current form, reflecting different eras and styles.

Legacy and Devotion

The site of Senhora de Mércoles has, throughout history, been a point of strong popular devotion. A pilgrimage celebrated there has its origins in a festivity that began in 1601. The community of Castelo Branco attributed to Nossa Senhora de Mércoles their deliverance from an epidemic, initiating a tradition that endures. This narrative underscores the symbolic importance of the sanctuary for the region.

Recognizing its value, the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Mércoles has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1959, highlighting its patrimonial and cultural significance.

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