Category: Civil Architecture > Bridge
District: Viseu > Resende > Ovadas de Baixo
Ovadas Bridge is serenely integrated into the rural landscape of Ovadas de Baixo, a locality in the municipality of Resende. It stands over the Cabrum River, at a point where the banks are shaped by boulders and a narrow gorge. The surroundings are marked by abundant vegetation, creating a natural and tranquil environment for visitors.
Its isolated position, harmoniously connected to nature, allows visitors to enjoy a bucolic setting where the sound of water and the green landscape predominate.
This bridge, likely built in the 18th century, stands out for its robust construction in granite. It is characterized by a deck with a peculiar, saddle-back shape, supported by a single, elegant perfect arch, whose voussoirs are notably narrow.
The side railings are also made of granite ashlar, and the pavement consists of irregularly shaped granite slabs, lending it a rustic authenticity. On both banks, the granite pavement that makes up the bridge's surface extends, forming paths partially delimited by walls, inviting visitors to a stroll through the surroundings.
Although the exact date of its construction is under study, it is believed that Ovadas Bridge emerged in the 18th century, possibly over an earlier structure. This location was, since medieval times, an important crossing point, part of an ancient route that traversed the lands of the municipality of Resende.
The bridge is, therefore, a testament to the evolution of the region's paths and connections, maintaining its original function as a crossing over the Cabrum River, linking stories and landscapes throughout the centuries.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.0499953,-7.9820281
Coordinates DMS: 41°02'60.0"N 07°58'55.3"W