Roman Bridge of São Mamede

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Vila Real > Alijó > São Mamede de Ribatua

Location:

The Roman Bridge of São Mamede is located in the village of São Mamede de Ribatua, in the municipality of Alijó. It is situated over the stream that gives it its name, nestled in a serene and typically rural landscape. Its presence marks a traditional crossing point in the area, inviting a peaceful observation of the surrounding natural environment.

Design and Construction:

This ancient bridge is distinguished by its robustness and architectural simplicity. It is composed of two semicircular arches, with the central arch being larger and a second, smaller, lateral arch. The entire structure was built with good quality dressed granite stone, which has allowed it to withstand the test of time. Its deck features a slight "humped" profile, a subtle form that was common in some constructions of the era.

Witness to the Past:

The São Mamede Bridge is more than just a crossing; it is a link to the region's history. Its construction and choice of location reveal the strategic importance it once held, being part of an ancient Roman road. This connection allowed not only passage over the São Mamede stream, but also connection to other localities and ancestral routes, underscoring the fundamental role of these structures in communication and development in antiquity.

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