Trajan's Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Vila Real > Chaves > Chaves > Quinta da Estação

Location

Trajan's Bridge is located in the city of Chaves, extending over the Tâmega River. It is fully integrated into the urban landscape, harmoniously connecting the two banks of the river and offering privileged views of the waterway and the city surroundings. A walk across the bridge allows one to appreciate the serenity of the river and the surrounding architecture.

A Monument with a Millennial History

This imposing structure, also known as Chaves Roman Bridge, was erected between the end of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century, during the period of the Roman Empire. Considered one of the most significant Roman legacies of ancient Aquae Flaviae (present-day Chaves), the bridge was part of the important Via XVII, which connected Bracara Augusta (Braga) to Asturica Augusta (Astorga, in Spain). Built of solid Transmontano granite, its design demonstrates remarkable engineering. Originally with more arches, the bridge today features between twelve and sixteen visible arches, revealing its capacity to withstand centuries of floods and strong river currents, a testament to the durability of Roman construction.

The Commemorative Columns

On the bridge deck, two cylindrical columns attract attention, bearing Latin inscriptions that narrate its history. One of these columns was dedicated to Emperor Trajan, in honor of its construction period. The other, designated as the "Standard of the Peoples", is a dedication from the Flavian inhabitants to Emperors Vespasian and Titus, highlighting the contribution of ten communities from the region to the bridge's construction. Although the columns currently visible are reproductions, their presence keeps alive the memory of the peoples who inhabited this territory and their commitment to building this essential communication route.

Pedestrian Crossing and Urban Scenery

Since 2008, Trajan's Bridge has become exclusively pedestrian, providing a tranquil environment for those who cross it. This decision, ratified by the local population, allowed the bridge to be enjoyed as a space for leisure and contemplation. It is a central point for walks, ideal for observing the Tâmega River and the urban dynamics of Chaves. Its silhouette and the robustness of its construction make it a striking element in the city's landscape, and it is no coincidence that Trajan's Bridge features in the coat of arms of Chaves, a symbol of its historical and cultural heritage.

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