Cava da Velha Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Viana do Castelo > Melgaço > Assureira

Location

Located over the Laboreiro River, in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, near the village of Assureira, about 3 km south of Castro Laboreiro, in the municipality of Melgaço.

Classification

National Monument since 1986.

Origin and History

Built in Roman times (probably in the 1st century).

Underwent changes in the Middle Ages (12th-13th centuries), with the placement of new slabs and stone guards.

Structure and Architecture

Arch-shaped bridge with an inclined deck (inverted "V" format).

Two arches of different sizes, the largest being 10.5 meters wide and 7.5 meters high.

Pavement made of large stone slabs and lateral stone guards.

Reinforced with buttresses and structures to protect against the effects of water.

Access

Pedestrian path of about 120 meters along an old stone trail.

The route starts on the CM1160 road, which connects Castro Laboreiro to Ribeiro de Baixo, 75 meters from the Chapel of São Brás.

Tourist Interest

Ideal for those who enjoy history and nature.

Framed in a stunning landscape of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Good place for photography and to appreciate Roman and medieval architecture.

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

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