Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge
District: Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Viana do Castelo > Santiago da Barra
The Ponte da Ola is located in the Santiago da Barra area, in Viana do Castelo. Its position offers a connecting point, being an integral element of the local landscape. When visiting the bridge, you can observe how this structure integrates into its surroundings, contributing to the characterization of the route it is part of.
This bridge, as we know it today, dates back to the modern era, although there are indications of a probable earlier construction that precedes it, perhaps from the medieval period. Throughout the centuries, Ponte da Ola has served as an important crossing point, witnessing the region's evolution. Its historical and architectural relevance is recognized by its classification as a Monument of Public Interest.
The Ponte da Ola stands out for its robust construction in ashlar masonry, predominantly with granite blocks. Its structure rests on a single semicircular arch, a construction technique that gives it both solidity and harmonious aesthetics. The deck, or the upper plan of the bridge, has a pitched profile, an inclination common in old bridges. You can also observe the piers with projecting cutwaters and the wide semicircular relief arches, details that reveal the mastery of the builders of the time. The pavement, now compacted gravel, and the ashlar parapets, complement its original structure.
Since its origin, Ponte da Ola was designed as a transport route, maintaining this function to this day. It was part of an old cart track, essential for travel in the area. There is a local tradition that attributes the ruined constructions flanking the bridge to the existence of an old inn, a detail that adds a layer of curiosity and history to your visit.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.68877778,-8.83897222
Coordinates DMS: 41°41'19.6"N 08°50'20.3"W
Weather Viana do Castelo
On-duty Pharmacy Viana do Castelo
