Vilar de Viando Bridge over the Cabril River

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Vila Real > Mondim de Basto > Campo de Baixo > Quinta do Fundo

Location

The Vilar de Viando Bridge stands in an area of great serenity, in a completely rural setting, near the locality of Campo de Baixo, in the municipality of Mondim de Basto. It is situated over the clear waters of the Cabril River, integrated into the natural surroundings of Quinta do Fundo. The surrounding landscape is marked by cultivated fields, verdant meadows, and riparian vegetation that embraces the riverbanks, creating a bucolic and tranquil scene. In its vicinity, a small chapel can be observed, which complements the picturesque atmosphere of the place.

A Bridge of History

This bridge, of medieval origin, is a testament to the passage of time and important ancient routes. Tradition has it that Roman armies, in distant times, as well as French forces in more recent eras, passed through here. Additionally, it served as a passage for countless pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela, conferring upon it a historical and cultural value that transcends its purely practical function. Its legacy was recognized with the classification of Property of Public Interest in 1990, attesting to its relevance to national heritage.

Granite Architecture

The Vilar de Viando Bridge is a work of ancient engineering, built entirely from local granite, a material that gives it solidity and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. It is characterized by a single, wide, perfect semi-circular arch, which rises elegantly over the river. Its deck, in a "cavaletti" or "horseshoe" format, is another distinctive element of its architecture. Although it suffered a total collapse in 2003, it was carefully reconstructed, seeking to reproduce its primitive structure with materials recovered from the riverbed, an effort that preserved its authenticity and original beauty.

The Cabril River and the Natural Landscape

The beauty of the Vilar de Viando Bridge is inseparable from the natural environment that surrounds it, namely the Cabril River. This river, which originates in the Planalto das Gevancas, is known for its crystalline waters and abundance of trout, contributing to the vitality of the fields and mills that once dotted the Vilar de Viando basin. The presence of the river and the dense riparian vegetation creates a cool and inviting environment, ideal for appreciating the quietude of nature and the harmony between human work and the natural scenery.

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