Vila Formosa Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Portalegre > Alter do Chão > Seda

Location

The Vila Formosa Bridge is located in the parish of Seda, in the municipality of Alter do Chão, a rural area in the heart of Alentejo. It rises over the Seda river, in surroundings marked by the tranquility of the landscape. The surrounding fields and extensive olive groves contribute to a natural and serene environment. The old road alignment that once passed over this bridge now allows direct access to the site, as main traffic has been diverted to a more recent viaduct built upstream.

Legacy of Ancient Rome

Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, the Vila Formosa Bridge represents a remarkable example of Roman engineering in Portugal. It was an integral part of one of the most important Roman roads in the Iberian Peninsula, connecting ancient Olisipo, today Lisbon, to Augusta Emerita, present-day Mérida, the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. Its historical relevance and exceptional state of preservation earned it the classification as a National Monument in 1910.

Robustness and Architectural Features

This imposing stone structure measures approximately 100 to 116 meters in length, about 6.7 meters in width, and a maximum height of 8.4 meters. Its deck rests on six robust, perfectly rounded arches, all with similar dimensions, supported by quadrangular pillars. The construction uses the opus quadratum method, characterized by the use of well-hewn granite blocks, many of them with rusticated faces. To ensure its durability against river floods, the bridge was equipped with "olhais", strategic openings in the spandrels of the arches that allow water to drain, a common technique in larger Roman bridges.

A Resilient Crossing

Over nearly two millennia, the Vila Formosa Bridge played a vital role, allowing continuous crossing over the Seda river. Its remarkable resilience is such that the structure continued to be used by road traffic until the beginning of the 21st century. Currently, although heavy vehicle traffic has been redirected, the bridge remains intact, testifying to the mastery of Roman construction and inviting a direct experience with this millennial heritage.

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