Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Santa Clara
The Santa Clara Bridge is located in Coimbra, establishing an essential link over the Mondego River. It is situated in the heart of the city, connecting the south bank, in the Santa Clara area, to the north bank, where the vibrant Largo da Portagem and Baixa de Coimbra develop. Its position offers visitors a privileged perspective on the river's course and both banks, allowing them to appreciate Coimbra's urban landscape.
The history of the Santa Clara Bridge is the history of crossings in Coimbra. Although the structure visible today was inaugurated on October 30, 1954, this location has been a fundamental crossing point over the Mondego for centuries. The current bridge replaced an imposing iron bridge, built in the 19th century (1875), which, in turn, had already replaced a 16th-century stone bridge (1513). There are indications that, even before, there was a Roman road connection, which highlights the importance of this axis in the city's evolution over time.
Designed by the renowned Portuguese engineer Edgar Cardoso, in collaboration with António Franco and Abreu, the Santa Clara Bridge is a remarkable example of 20th-century engineering architecture. Its reinforced concrete structure features a multiple portal-type design, with a flat deck resting on five flattened arch spans. The pendulum piers, elegantly designed with elliptical cutwaters, give it a robust and harmonious aesthetic. This work was designed to meet the growing road traffic needs of the time, demonstrating a forward-looking vision for the city's infrastructure. On the north bank, ashlar pilasters display the coat of arms of Coimbra and the year of inauguration, MCMLIV (1954), perpetuating the memory of its construction.
When crossing the Santa Clara Bridge, whether on foot along its wide sidewalks or by car, one has the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the Mondego River and the surrounding scenery. It is an ideal spot to observe the flow of the water, the riverside activity, and, in particular, the silhouette of historic Coimbra, with its architecture rising up the hill. The bridge itself is a striking element in the urban landscape, offering unique angles for photographs and for contemplating the city bathed by its river.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.206142688334985, -8.43045349349065
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'22.1"N 08°25'49.6"W
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