Romanesque bridge of Ribeira da Seda

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Portalegre > Crato > Crato

Location:

In the Crato area, you will find the bridge that crosses the Ribeira da Seda. Its location next to the watercourse offers a natural and calm environment, framing the structure within the riverside landscape.

It is a crossing point over the river, set in a scene where the tranquility of nature combines with the presence of a long-lasting human structure.

A Long History:

This bridge attests to the ancient presence in the Crato region. Its origins are believed to date back to the Roman period, perhaps to the 3rd century. However, the structure we observe today incorporates elements of a later reconstruction, carried out during the Middle Ages.

It is a place where one can feel the passage of time and the different constructive eras that shaped its current appearance, blending Roman heritage with medieval interventions.

Visible Characteristics:

When observing the bridge, its structure of seven arches is noticeable, although their shape and size show some variation. Also noteworthy are the four triangle-shaped elements at the base of the pillars, known as cutwaters, designed to cut through the force of the water.

The construction of the deck and the spans themselves reveals some irregularity in the stonework, a visible indication of its complex history and the different phases of construction and repair that occurred over the centuries.

The Riverside Setting:

The Ponte da Ribeira da Seda is not just a crossing; it is an element that merges with the riverside environment. The presence of the Ribeira da Seda lends a tranquil air to the place, where the sound of the water accompanies the observation of the ancient structure.

It is a point that invites a pause, allowing one to appreciate how human work and the natural landscape meet and coexist for centuries, creating a serene environment with historical value.

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