Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge
District: Viana do Castelo > Melgaço > Melgaço > Varziela
Located in Castro Laboreiro, in the municipality of Melgaço, within the Peneda-Gerês National Park. It stands over the Varziela stream, a tributary of the Laboreiro river.
Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1986, representing a historical heritage of the region.
Built in the Middle Ages (between the 12th and 14th centuries), it replaced an older Roman bridge. The Roman bridge served to cross the stream towards old gold mines exploited by the Romans, located about 60 meters from the bank. With the end of mining, the bridge began to be used by local communities, who lived from shepherding and transhumance.
It features a single stone arch, with a deck in a gentle sloping trestle. The pavement is made of large granite slabs and the guards are made of stone blocks placed vertically. Near the entrance of the bridge, there are small granite-carved soul shrines ("alminhas").
This bridge was part of the paths used by populations who, throughout the year, alternated between the "inverneiras" (lower and sheltered valleys in winter) and the "brandas" (higher areas used in summer).
Ideal for those who like nature and history, providing an authentic setting and a connection to the medieval past of the region. The place is inserted in a mountainous landscape of great beauty, perfect for hiking and photography.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_de_Varziela
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 42.027202846055836,-8.145803728661303
Coordinates DMS: 42°01'37.9"N 08°08'44.9"W
Weather Melgaço
On-duty Pharmacy Melgaço
