Vilela medieval bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Vilela > Vila Nova

Location

In the locality of Vilela, in the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez, the medieval Bridge of Vilela spans the Vez River. It is situated in a rural landscape area, characterized by its tranquility and the presence of cultivated fields and abundant trees. The bridge connects the place of Sub-Igreja, in the parish of Vilela, and the locality of Aboim das Choças, harmoniously integrating into the natural surroundings.

History and Relevance

This bridge, a testament to the past, has its deep origins in the Middle Ages. Historical documents, such as the royal Inquiries of 1258, already refer to a "bridge" in this area, suggesting that its construction may date back to the first half of the 13th century. Over the centuries, it has remained an essential communication and transport route, resisting time and historical events. Its importance is officially recognized through its classification as a Property of Public Interest, a distinction it obtained in 1990. During the War of Restoration in 1662, the bridge played a strategic role, being used by a retreating army, a fact that underlines its robustness and functionality throughout history.

Architecture and Characteristics

Built entirely of granite, the Vilela Bridge exhibits characteristics of Romanesque architecture. It features a peculiar design, with its humpback deck, which rises at the center, and rests on two arches of unequal dimensions, one round arch and one pointed arch. This less common combination illustrates the adaptation and evolution of construction techniques of the time. It has a prismatic cutwater upstream, designed to withstand the force of the waters of the Vez River. Its parapet is made of dressed stonework and the pavement consists of large irregular slabs, lending the structure a solid appearance and timeless beauty, in harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Local Traditions and Devotion

On the south bank, in the vicinity of the bridge, there is a small wayside shrine that holds the painted image of Saint Lucy. This element of popular devotion is linked to a peculiar local tradition: it is said that the stonemasons responsible for the bridge's construction made a solemn vow. They promised to erect a chapel dedicated to Saint Benedict and Saint Lucy nearby, should they successfully close the arches of the structure. Although the original chapel, which existed on the site, is currently in ruins, the wayside shrine remains as a link to this legend and to popular faith, enriching the cultural and spiritual value of this ancient crossing point.

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