Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge
District: Vila Real > Mondim de Basto > Campanhó e Paradança
Ermelo Bridge, sometimes referred to as Várzea Bridge, stands in the parish of Ermelo, on the banks of the River Olo, in the municipality of Mondim de Basto. Situated in a rural and mountainous area, this bridge offers a serene connection to the surrounding natural environment. The riverbanks, elevated near the structure, highlight its presence in the landscape, inviting a peaceful observation of the watercourse that flows by.
This ancient bridge holds within it a valuable historical journey. Although its construction is likely from the medieval period, it is suggested that it stands on an ancient Roman crossing, demonstrating continuity of use and importance throughout the centuries. Formerly, Ermelo Bridge was an integral part of an old route connecting important points in the region. Its heritage relevance is officially recognised, being classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1990, a testament to its value and preservation. It is also locally known as the "ham bridge", a popular name that has taken root in the collective memory.
The architecture of Ermelo Bridge stands out for its robustness and harmony with the landscape. Built in granite, it features a single, wide semicircular arch, characteristic of the medieval period. The bridge deck, or roadway, has a gentle humpback shape. Observing closely, one can appreciate the details of its construction: the arch voussoirs are wide and regular, while the abutments (the parts connecting the bridge to the ground) show masonry faces in more irregular courses. The guardrails protecting the bridge and the pavement are also made of granite ashlar, with sometimes irregular flagstones, which lend an authentic and timeless appearance to the structure. The riverbanks, in the immediate vicinity of the bridge, were consolidated with granite walls, integrating human intervention into the natural beauty of the site.
Beneath Ermelo Bridge flows the River Olo, famous for its cold and clear waters. This mountain river, which originates in Lamas de Olo, creates a natural setting of particular beauty next to the bridge. The purity of the waters, the riparian vegetation, and the rural environment provide a space for calm and contemplation. The serenity of the location allows one to appreciate nature in its most genuine state, with the sound of flowing water complementing the feeling of peace. It is a point where historical architecture perfectly merges with the natural exuberance of the region, offering direct contact with the Transmontana landscape.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.360298,-7.921977
Coordinates DMS: 41°21'37.1"N 07°55'19.1"W
Weather Campanhó e Paradança
On-duty Pharmacy Campanhó e Paradança
