Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge
District: Lisboa > Mafra > Cheleiros > Igreja Nova e Cheleiros
The old Bridge of Cheleiros is nestled in the picturesque town of Cheleiros, part of the parish of Igreja Nova e Cheleiros, in the municipality of Mafra. Its strategic position over the Ribeira de Cheleiros, a small stream that meanders through the landscape, gives it a particular charm.
For those who observe it, the bridge offers distinct views of each bank. On one side, you can see the welcoming cluster of houses that make up the village of Cheleiros, creating an atmosphere of intimacy. On the other side, vast and serene rural lands stretch out, often dotted with grazing flocks of sheep, composing a bucolic and calm scenery that invites contemplation.
The history of the Cheleiros Bridge possibly dates back to the medieval period, witnessing centuries of crossings and connections. It is believed that its current structure stands on the foundations of an even older Roman bridge, a testament to the continued importance of this crossing point throughout different eras. This overlapping of periods underscores the site's profound historical heritage.
There is a belief that the configuration seen in the bridge today may have been consolidated or even built during the construction period of the monumental Mafra Convent, indirectly linking it to one of the country's greatest architectural undertakings. The area surrounding the bridge is, in fact, remarkably rich in archaeological remains of Roman presence, which offer valuable clues about the distant past of this territory and its occupation.
The structure of the old Cheleiros Bridge stands out for its remarkable solidity and the choice of robust materials, striking characteristics of the constructions of that era. Its pavement is entirely composed of large stones, which not only attest to its impressive resistance to time but also highlight its antiquity and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in its construction.
By its design, this bridge represents a notable example of civil engineering applied to crossing watercourses, harmoniously adapted to the landscape's relief. Its robustness and architectural simplicity reflect the functionality and durability that characterized the constructions of that period, allowing it to withstand the passing of generations and continue to fulfill its function.
The recognition of the significant historical and cultural value of the old Cheleiros Bridge is evident in its classification as a Property of Public Interest. This status was officially granted in 1982, a milestone that reinforces the importance of its preservation as an integral and fundamental part of Portuguese heritage.
The official classification ensures the safeguarding of this centuries-old bridge, allowing its stones to continue telling the story of connections, crossings, and transformations. Its continued existence is a testament to the resilience of heritage and the importance of protecting the landmarks that have shaped our territory and our culture over the centuries.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_antiga_de_Cheleiros
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.88834390436992,-9.327343288855081
Coordinates DMS: 38°53'18.0"N 09°19'38.4"W
Weather Cheleiros
On-duty Pharmacy Cheleiros
