Bridge Suspension Pillars

Category: Civil Architecture > Pillars

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Ribeira

Location:

Located in the Ribeira area of Porto, the Pillars of the Suspension Bridge stand along the riverbanks. This emblematic site is set within a historic urban environment, offering a unique perspective on the riverside frontage. Its position allows for observation of the river's dynamics and the landscape unfolding between the two banks, in one of the city's most characteristic areas.

Being near these pillars provides a different perspective of Ribeira, an area of narrow streets and traditional architecture. It is a space that invites observation of riverside daily life and the flow of water, in an environment that breathes history and serenity, despite the urban vibrancy surrounding it.

Memory of a Crossing:

The Pillars of the Suspension Bridge are the remnants of an important link that once connected the two banks of the Douro River. Known as the Suspension Bridge or D. Maria II Bridge, this structure was designed to replace the old Barcas Bridge, a crossing method that proved insufficient for the needs of the time.

Its construction was an engineering landmark in the 19th century, having been inaugurated in mid-1843. However, the operational life of this bridge was relatively short, as, over time, its structure began to show signs of instability, becoming unsafe. For this reason, it was deactivated and dismantled at the end of the 19th century, leaving only its imposing pillars for posterity.

The Remains in the Present:

Currently, what remains of the old Suspension Bridge are its two remarkable stone pillars, obelisk-shaped, which stand out in the Ribeira landscape. These imposing structures are a silent testament to the past and the evolution of river crossings in the region. Along with the pillars, the ruins of the old military guardhouse, which supervised the bridge's operation during its active period, can also be found.

These remaining elements invite contemplation and offer an opportunity to imagine the scale and importance of the original bridge. They allow for a visual and tangible connection with the engineering and history of Porto, evoking the grandeur of a structure that, even having disappeared, left its indelible mark on the city's landscape and memory.

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