Timpeira Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Vila Real > Timpeira

Location

Located in the Timpeira area, in Vila Real, this bridge spans the Corgo River. Its location naturally integrates it into the city's urban environment, connecting different points of the locality and offering views over the river bank.

A Historical Legacy

The construction of Timpeira Bridge began around 1861 or 1863, depending on historical sources. A landmark in its time, it served as a fundamental axis in the region's road network, integrating the old National Road No. 15, a communication route connecting the cities of Porto and Bragança. Furthermore, this bridge partially replaced the older Roman bridge of Piscais, highlighting its importance in the evolution of local infrastructures.

Architecture and Evolution

With approximately 22 meters in length and 17.03 meters in height, Timpeira Bridge is a robust structure, a testament to 19th-century engineering. Its design and construction reflect the technical capabilities of the era. In 1957, the bridge underwent widening works, during which new granite walls were built, adapting it to increasing mobility needs without distorting its original character.

The Bridge and the Circuit

Beyond its value as a communication route and its historical relevance, Timpeira Bridge holds a particular connection to the sporting history of Vila Real. The initial layout of the famous Vila Real International Circuit, which marked the national and international motorsport scene, passed over this structure. This connection gives the bridge a unique role, making it not only a crossing point but also an emblematic landmark for those interested in the region's motor racing legacy.

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