Roman bridge in the parish of Estorãos

Category: Civil Architecture > Roman Bridge

District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Estorãos > Lacada

Location

Estorãos Bridge is located in the tranquil parish of Estorãos, part of the municipality of Ponte de Lima. Situated in an area further away from the town center, this bridge is set in an environment that invites observation of the local landscape and the enjoyment of a slower pace. Its position, in the area known as Lacada, offers a serene and traditional setting of the Minho region, allowing an authentic connection to the natural and rural surroundings.

A Millennial History

This ancient crossing, though generally identified by its Roman origins, reveals a history of use and transformation over the centuries. Estorãos Bridge was part of an important Roman road that connected Braga to the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. However, throughout the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, it underwent several interventions that adapted its structure to the needs of each period. These alterations, visible in its architecture, tell the story of its persistence and its importance as a crossing point over hundreds of years, witnessing the path of civilizations and communities.

Features and Unique Details

The bridge structure features three semicircular arches, with the central arch standing out due to its size. Between these arches, prominent large triangular cutwaters stand out, elements that suggest reinforcement works, probably carried out in the 16th or 17th centuries, contributing to its robustness and longevity. In addition to its practical function, the bridge is enriched by religious elements, added in more recent times. In the middle of its deck, a stone cross can be observed, restored in the 1960s, consisting of a column with an Ionic capital topped by a cross. At one end, a wayside shrine displays a backrest decorated with a pediment and a ceramic panel dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory, testifying to the local faith and traditions that perpetuate in this place.

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