Roman bridge of Quelfes or old bridge of Quelfes

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Faro > Olhão > Quelfes

Location

The Roman Bridge of Quelfes is located in the parish of Quelfes, in the municipality of Olhão, in a rural area of the Sotavento Algarvio (eastern Algarve). It is built over the Quelfes stream, surrounded by small agricultural plots typical of the region. The surrounding environment is tranquil and characterized by the nature of the riverside plain, where one can appreciate the bridge's connection to the watercourse and the rural landscape.

This bridge is set away from the urban center, which contributes to a calm atmosphere, ideal for those looking to observe a historical structure nestled in a natural and little-altered landscape.

Architecture and Features

The bridge is recognized by its single perfect arch, built with well-dressed stone blocks, forming a slightly overpassed curve. The deck has a steep profile and is composed of two ramps covered with Portuguese cobblestone (calçada portuguesa), a characteristic that adds historical and aesthetic value.

The side railings are made of stone masonry, rendered and whitewashed, giving it a well-maintained appearance despite its age. Near the bridge, there are structures that facilitated water drainage, a detail that demonstrates the concern for the construction's functionality and durability.

Origin and Historical Evolution

The exact date of the bridge's construction is not consensual, but its typology and some vestiges found in the area suggest that it may have been built during the Roman period, possibly between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, as part of the ancient roads that connected different points of the Algarve. Other elements indicate that the bridge underwent alterations during the Middle Ages and reinforcement works in the Modern Age.

These periods reflect the bridge's continuous use over the centuries, adapting to the needs of local populations and resisting environmental and social changes.

Local Historical Memory

The Old Bridge of Quelfes also holds symbolic significance in regional history. Nearby, in June 1808, during the Napoleonic invasions, clashes occurred between local populations and French troops. Although the exact date and details of the battle near the bridge are debatable, this episode reinforces the bridge's connection to the region's history of resistance.

In 1989, a commemorative plaque was placed near the bridge, marking the importance of this site in the collective memory of the Olhão community.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_romana_de_Quelfes

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