Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge
District: Porto > Matosinhos > Perafita, Lavra e Santa Cruz do Bispo > São Brás
The Ponte do Carro, also known as the Romanesque Bridge of Carro, lies serenely over the Leça River, in the town of Santa Cruz do Bispo, part of the parish of Perafita, Lavra e Santa Cruz do Bispo, in the municipality of Matosinhos, Porto district. This specific location, in São Brás, marks a unique meeting point, connecting the banks where the parishes of Santa Cruz do Bispo and Guifões are located. Its position offers a glimpse of the surrounding riverside landscape, in an environment that invites the observation of heritage and nature.
Dating from the 13th century, this medieval bridge is a remarkable testament to the engineering and connection needs of the time. For centuries, it was a pivotal element for crossing the Leça River, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the riverside communities. Its importance transcends mere local crossing, as it also served as an essential passage point for pilgrims travelling the Caminhos de Santiago towards Galicia. Although it was not one of the main arteries connecting major centres like Porto and Barcelos, the Ponte do Carro played a vital role in the local road network and on historical routes of faith.
In architectural terms, the Ponte do Carro displays the robust and functional style characteristic of the Middle Ages. It is composed of a single arch of irregular granite, a material abundant in the region, which gives it an authentic and timeless aesthetic. The simplicity of its lines and the solidity of its construction reflect the mastery of the builders of that era, who knew how to integrate the structure into the surrounding natural landscape. Since 1971, the bridge has been classified as a Building of Public Interest, an official recognition of its historical, cultural, and architectural value.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.2151929993587,-8.667321336519832
Coordinates DMS: 41°12'54.7"N 08°40'2.4"W
Weather Perafita, Lavra e Santa Cruz do Bispo
On-duty Pharmacy Perafita, Lavra e Santa Cruz do Bispo
