Jesuits' Bridge, Colonial viaduct and archaeological site in Itaguaí, Brazil.
Ponte dos Jesuítas is a stone viaduct in Itaguaí featuring five water passages with wooden gates to control water flow. The structure connects two areas and was part of an irrigation system during colonial times.
The bridge was built in 1752 and formed part of an agricultural hydraulic system between two farms. It connected the Santa Cruz Farm with São Cristóvão and demonstrates Portuguese colonial engineering expertise.
The structure shows traditional Portuguese colonial methods with Roman influences and displays Latin inscriptions bearing the Jesuit coat of arms. These details reflect the building style brought by European religious orders working in colonial Brazil.
The structure is located on Estrada do Curtume and is accessible on foot. A restoration in 2022 reinforced the structure, making it safe to view the details up close.
The structure is one of the earliest water control systems developed by Jesuits in Brazil. The wooden gates allowed farmers to regulate water flow between two rivers for irrigation purposes.
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