Set - Assureira Bridge or São Brás Bridge, São Brás Chapel and water mill east of the bridge.

Category: Civil Architecture > Ensemble

District: Viana do Castelo > Melgaço > Castro Laboreiro e Lamas de Mouro > Assureira

Location

The Assureira Bridge, also known as São Brás Bridge due to its proximity to the São Brás Chapel, is situated over the Barreiro Stream, a tributary of the Castro Laboreiro River, about 160 meters from the Assureira winter settlement, just 3 km south of the center of Castro Laboreiro, in the municipality of Melgaço, in the district of Viana do Castelo, Portugal.

Ancient History

This bridge has roots that date back to Roman rule in the Iberian Peninsula, being part of one of the main Roman roads between Minho and Galicia.

Medieval Era

During the Middle Ages, the bridge was built in an arch style, replacing a previous Roman bridge, in which materials were reused. It played a vital role as part of the medieval infrastructure of the region.

Maintenance Works

In the early years of the Kingdom of Portugal, the bridge underwent several maintenance and expansion works in the Romanesque style. The deck was widened to accommodate larger carriages and carts, reflecting the historical importance of the site.

Legal Protection

The Assureira Bridge, together with the São Brás Chapel and the nearby watermill, has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1992, due to its historical and architectural value.

Architectural Features

The bridge has a single perfect arch, made of uneven granite voussoirs. The pavement is composed of large granite slabs on the eastern side and smaller slabs on the western half. The structure is also protected by irregular stone railings.

Current Visitation

Today, the Assureira Bridge is a charming place to visit and explore. Tourists can appreciate the medieval architecture of the bridge, visit the nearby São Brás Chapel, and discover the watermill upstream from the bridge.

Surrounding Nature

The site is located in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the region, including stunning landscapes and hiking trails.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_de_Assureira

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