Magdalene Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Portalegre > Marvão > Olhos D'Água

Location:

The Madalena Bridge is immersed in the rural landscape of Olhos D'Água, a locality belonging to the municipality of Marvão. Situated over the bed of the Alvarrões Stream, the bridge rests at a point where the watercourse narrows between rock formations, creating a naturally serene setting. This countryside setting invites a moment of tranquility, offering direct contact with the characteristic nature of the Alentejo.

A Testament to Eras

This granite bridge is a fascinating intersection of historical eras. Although its current form reveals a reconstruction dating from the 16th or 17th centuries, its foundation dates back to the 1st century. In fact, the Madalena Bridge incorporates original Roman construction elements, such as part of its arch and the ashlar masonry, which were wisely re-used in later interventions. It is observed that the intrados of the arch, with its courses of squared blocks, is a remarkable example of engineering that has spanned millennia, demonstrating the robustness and durability of ancient techniques.

Memory of an Ancient Route

With a horizontal deck extending fifteen meters in length and just over three meters in width, the Madalena Bridge is supported by a single perfect round arch, five meters wide. Its solid structure, made entirely of granite stone, reflects its importance in the past. Originally, this bridge was a vital crossing, integrated into a road axis that connected the ancient Roman city of Ammaia to its surrounding territory, particularly in the direction of Évora, crossing the Serra de São Mamede. Today, it serves as a historical-cultural landmark, offering visitors a tangible connection to the routes and people who passed through it over vast centuries.

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