Old Bridge of Ceras

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Santarém > Ferreira do Zêzere > Areias e Pias

Location

The old Ceras Bridge is serenely integrated into the village of Areias e Pias, part of the municipality of Ferreira do Zêzere, in the heart of the Santarém district. Its position, likely over a watercourse that justifies its existence, is set within a tranquil, rural environment characteristic of the region, inviting quietude and contemplation of the surrounding landscape.

This location offers an authentic perspective of a rural Portuguese past, where architecture blends with the surrounding nature, far from the hustle and bustle of major urban centers.

A Bridge with History

This remarkable structure dates back to the medieval era, standing as a silent testament to centuries of history and passage. Its original construction reflects the mastery and robustness of engineering from that period, once serving as a vital link, essential for communication and transit in a constantly changing landscape.

The Ceras Bridge represents a lasting heritage, a point of confluence between the distant past and the present, maintaining its symbolic relevance in the collective memory of the region.

Architectural Details and Transformation

Originally conceived with two remarkable Romanesque-style arches, the bridge displayed a considerable width of four meters, a detail that underscores its functional importance and the volume of traffic it once supported. On all the stones forming the interior of the arches, masons' marks can be observed, details that highlight the meticulous and artisanal work of medieval builders, true signatures left by the craftsmen of the era.

Over the years, the crowns of the original arches eventually collapsed. To maintain functionality and the crossing over the obstacle, a concrete walkway was subsequently built on top. This modern intervention, though practical, contrasts with the ancient stone and tells part of the story of its adaptation and resilience over time, reflecting the needs and techniques of different eras.

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