Old bridge of Valhelhas or Philippine bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Guarda > Guarda > Valhelhas > Quinta de São Pedro

Location

Valhelhas, municipality of Guarda, over the Zêzere River, in the Serra da Estrela.

History

Rebuilt in 1631 on a possible Roman structure. Ordered by King Philip III.

Structure

, Four perfect arches, up to 12 meters high.

, Total length of approximately 109 meters.

, Built in granite with isodomic apparatus.

Characteristics

, Flat and asphalted deck, with smooth granite railings.

, Includes cutwaters and discharge gargoyles.

Current Use

Closed to traffic. New bridge built in 1978 for road use.

Importance

Historical connection between Valhelhas and Covilhã. Example of 17th-century engineering with Roman elements.

Conservation

Preservation projects include design and archaeological monitoring, consolidation of arches and pillars.

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