Overhill Bridge

Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge

District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Arroios > Quinta da Porta

Location

The Sobreiro Bridge is located in the municipality of Vila Real, in the locality of Arroios, within the area known as Quinta da Porta. Its setting is markedly rural and tranquil, offering a serene environment, isolated from more intense traffic. It rises over the Ribeira das Toirinhas (Toirinhas Stream), flowing near the Quinta de Nossa Senhora do Sobreiro, and coexists with more recent road infrastructures, maintaining its status as a distinctive element in the landscape.

Architecture and Materials

This bridge, likely of medieval origin, stands out for its robust and characteristic architecture. It is built entirely of granite, featuring a single semicircular arch that lends it solidity and elegance. The bridge deck has a "cavalete" (easel) shape, meaning it is inclined, which was common in old bridges to facilitate water drainage and access. The side parapets are composed of two courses of stone that follow the inclination of the deck, with small openings noticeable in the lower course. The pavement is made of compacted earth, highlighting its rustic and historic appearance.

Historical Context

The Sobreiro Bridge is a testament to the history of transport in the region, once serving as a vital passage. Although its construction period is conjecturally medieval, there are records indicating significant interventions, or even a complete construction, in the 18th century, around 1758 or 1772. These data suggest that the bridge may have been built to replace an earlier wooden structure, integrating into the old road that connected Vila Real to Constantim. Currently, the bridge holds predominantly cultural and recreational value, being recognized as a historical-cultural landmark in the local landscape.

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