Saint Susanna (Nineteenth-century bridge submerged)

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Setúbal > Alcácer do Sal > Santa Susana

Location

The submerged 19th-century bridge of Santa Susana is strategically located in the Setúbal district, within the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, in the serene locality of Santa Susana. This site is part of a landscape that exemplifies the Alentejo plain, where vastness and tranquility dominate the surroundings. The bridge's presence is intrinsically linked to a body of water, likely a reservoir or a dammed river course, which influences its current visibility and provides a natural environment of particular quietude and beauty.

A Submerged Legacy

This bridge dates back to the 19th century, a period of notable progress in engineering and civil construction in Portugal. Its most distinctive feature is the fact that it is currently submerged, making it a fascinating testament to a past that lies hidden beneath the waters. Its submersion reflects the landscape transformations that occurred for water management purposes, a process that reconfigured the territory and its ancient communication routes. The Santa Susana bridge, though invisible on the surface, is a silent memory of a time when it was a vital connection point, now guarded by the waters.

Hidden 19th-Century Engineering

As an example of a 19th-century structure, this bridge represents the prevalent techniques and materials of civil construction of that era. Although its specific architectural elements are now covered, it can be inferred that its construction prioritized robustness and durability, essential characteristics for supporting the traffic of the time. Bridges were then crucial arteries, enabling mobility and exchange between rural communities. Its existence, even if veiled, invites reflection on the evolution of the territory and the capacity of engineering to adapt to human needs and environmental transformations.

Natural Setting and Contemplation

The environment surrounding the area where the Santa Susana bridge is submerged is of unusual serenity, inviting introspection and appreciation of the Alentejo nature. The landscape, marked by the presence of water and the typical vegetation of the region, offers a scenic and peaceful setting, ideal for those seeking a deeper connection with natural and historical heritage. This site, with its hidden history, provides a unique experience of immersion in a past that merges with the present through water, sparking curiosity about what lies beneath the surface.

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