Moors' Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Portalegre > Ponte de Sor > Ponte de Sor > Ponte de Sor, Tramaga e Vale de Açor

Location:

The Bridge of the Moors (Ponte dos Mouros) is located in the town of Ponte de Sor, in the municipality of the same name, part of the civil parish of Ponte de Sor, Tramaga and Vale de Açor. It stands over a watercourse, nestled within a serene and natural landscape. Its position allows it to be easily integrated into a tour of the area, providing a point of interest that combines history with the tranquil environment of the region.

A Legacy of Millennia:

This bridge, with a history spanning over two millennia, is a fascinating testament to the Roman past of the Iberian Peninsula. Contrary to what its popular name might suggest, the Bridge of the Moors (Ponte dos Mouros) has its origins in Roman engineering. It was part of Via XIV, an important road that, during the Roman period, connected several strategic points of the territory. Its robust construction allowed it to endure to this day, maintaining its relevance as a historical landmark. The presence of a milestone nearby, an ancient column that marked distances and routes, is a strong indicator of its authenticity and its role in the imperial road network.

Architecture and Natural Environment:

The Bridge of the Moors (Ponte dos Mouros) is an example of ancient architecture, characterized by its stone construction and the simplicity of its lines. The structure, designed to withstand the flow of water and time, integrates organically into the landscape. Its silhouette harmonizes with the banks of the watercourse it crosses, where riparian vegetation contributes to a calm and inviting atmosphere. This location offers an environment conducive to nature contemplation and the observation of the ingenuity of past constructions.

The Meaning of the Name:

The name "Bridge of the Moors" ("Ponte dos Mouros") is a common designation in Portugal for ancient structures whose origin has been lost to time, often attributed, by popular memory, to the presence of the Moors in the Iberian Peninsula. However, in this specific case, the designation does not indicate that the bridge was built by them, but rather that it is a structure of great antiquity. This popular name highlights the bridge's venerable age and its rootedness in local stories and traditions, giving it a symbolic character and a link to the collective memory of the Ponte de Sor community.

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