Possacos Pontoon

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Vila Real > Valpaços > Possacos

Location:

The Pontão de Possacos is located in the tranquil village of Possacos, belonging to the municipality of Valpaços. This place of interest is set in a deeply rural environment, isolated in the verdant valley of the Calvo River, over which the bridge stands. Its location invites an experience of discovery in a natural setting, away from the bustle and conducive to contemplating the Transmontane Minho landscape.

Historical Memory:

This remarkable pontoon is a testament to Roman engineering, likely dating from the 1st century AD. Its construction is part of the ancient Roman Via XVII, an important route that connected "Bracara Augusta" (present-day Braga) to "Asturica Augusta" (today Astorga, in Spain). By crossing the Calvo River at this point, the bridge served as a vital link in a communication and trade network that shaped the region for centuries. The Roman presence is still marked today by vestiges such as a milestone (road marker) that was found nearby, documenting restoration works on the road between 236 and 238 AD, indicating the continuous importance of this passage over time.

Architecture and Materials:

The Pontão de Possacos stands out for its robustness and architectural simplicity. It features a predominantly flat deck, resting on a single and imposing perfectly round arch. Its monumentality is visible in the width of the deck, which reaches about 7.5 meters, a fact that underlines the relevance of this bridge in its time. The construction was executed with granite, using regular courses of cushioned ashlar stones, where "forfex" marks (tools used by Roman builders) can still be observed today. At the base of the arch, it is possible to identify the protruding ashlar stones that served as support for the centering, the temporary structure used during its construction.

Legacy and Observation:

In addition to its main structure, the Pontão de Possacos offers elements that enrich the visit. Near the bridge, some sections of ancient paths, with large flagstone paving, are still visible, perpetuating the original route of the Roman road, and where wheel ruts caused by millennia of vehicle passage can be observed. On the bridge deck itself, or on its parapets, it is possible to find engraved signs, such as crosses from later periods (medieval or modern) and the letter "B," which scholars suggest might be superimposed over an older Roman inscription. These details invite careful observation and connect the visitor with the various layers of history that the site holds.

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