Tôr Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Faro > Loulé > Castelhana > Ponte da Tôr

Location:

The Tôr Bridge is located in the peaceful village of Tôr, part of the municipality of Loulé, in the heart of the Algarve. Situated southeast of the settlement, this bridge crosses the Ribeira de Tôr, also known as Ribeira do Algibre. Its surroundings are characterized by a serene rural landscape, composed of cultivated fields, olive groves, and typical regional vegetation, inviting a moment of calm and observation.

To preserve this monument, main vehicular traffic was diverted to a newer bridge, built to the east, allowing the Tôr Bridge to maintain its historic character and be enjoyed on foot in a quieter environment.

A Journey Through History:

The history of the Tôr Bridge is long and complex, spanning centuries. Although some associated it with the Roman era, more recent studies point to its construction in the Late Middle Ages, probably in the 15th century. The first documented mention of the bridge dates from the early 15th century, in records from the Loulé Town Hall, which in 1492 already ordered its repair, confirming its antiquity.

Interestingly, on one of its arches, a coat of arms with the Portuguese national arms is still visible, where the side escutcheons appear 'lying down'. This heraldic detail is a strong indication that the bridge was built before 1485, the year a royal order determined that these elements should be straightened, reinforcing the dating of its construction to the 15th century.

Over the years, and due to the strength of the stream during flood seasons, the bridge underwent several reforms. One of the most significant occurred in the late 19th century, when its structure, which previously had five arches, was reduced to the three arches we observe today, adapting to the narrower riverbed, but always seeking to preserve its oldest elements.

Architectural Details:

The Tôr Bridge features a deck that describes a gentle "cavalete" (hump), meaning a slight elevation at the center, and rests on three perfect semicircular arches. The central arch is the largest, with a radius of approximately 5.50 meters, flanked by two smaller symmetric arches, approximately 2.20 meters in radius. The bridge reaches a maximum height of 8 meters.

Its structure, currently plastered and painted white, conceals the original masonry, but the arches maintain their voussoirs and soffits in ashlar, with their well-worked stone visible. Between the arches, one can observe the triangular cutwaters, ashlar elements that help to "cut" the water current and protect the structure. The pavement is made of stone flagging, and the white masonry parapet is capped with ashlar, giving it a traditional and robust aesthetic.

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