Three Municipalities Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Castelo Branco > Vila de Rei > São João do Peso > Ponte dos Três Concelhos

Location

In the locality of São João do Peso, in the municipality of Vila de Rei, lies the Bridge of the Three Municipalities. Its particular name derives from its unique geographical position, marking the border between the administrative territories of Vila de Rei, Mação, and Sertã.

The bridge is nestled in a tranquil rural setting, at the bottom of a gorge, through which the Ribeira de Isna flows, contributing to a serene and inviting natural environment, typical of central Portugal's landscape.

Legacy of an Ancient Era

This stone bridge is believed to date back to the Roman era, with its construction likely dating between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD. It was part of an important road network that connected ancient urban centers such as Idanha and Abrantes, or even Mérida in Spain, to Conímbriga.

Its longevity and historical importance earned it recognition as a Property of Public Interest, a classification attributed in 1990, protecting and valuing this ancestral heritage.

Architectural Structure

The Bridge of the Three Municipalities features a robust structure and remarkable characteristics. It is composed of three unequal perfect arches, with the central arch being the widest. The deck, or the bridge's surface, is paved and delimited by stone guardrails, reflecting its continuous use throughout the centuries.

Its pillars are reinforced by imposing upstream cutwaters, designed to deflect the force of the stream's water, and show traces of smaller downstream cutwaters. The materials used in its construction, such as irregularly cut stone blocks, with granite in the foundations and schist in the facing and voussoirs, attest to the durability and construction technique employed in its time.

Environment and Significance

More than a simple crossing, the Bridge of the Three Municipalities offers a point of contemplation in a natural setting. The Ribeira de Isna, flowing under its arches, provides a soft and refreshing sound, harmoniously integrating the bridge into the gorge's landscape.

This location allows visitors a connection with history and nature, providing a moment of tranquility and the opportunity to observe an ancient piece of engineering that has withstood the test of time, at one of the region's most unique points due to its territorial confluence.

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