Ponte de Lagoncinha, Medieval stone bridge in Lousado, Portugal
Ponte de Lagoncinha is a medieval stone bridge crossing the Ave River with six arches built from granite blocks. The passage spans approximately 120 meters and has protective barriers running along its sides.
This bridge dates to the 12th century and replaced an older Roman crossing that once linked Bracara Augusta and Cale. Major restoration work brought it back to condition in the mid-20th century.
The name comes from D. Gontinha, a medieval noblewoman who lived near the river in this area. Walkers crossing the bridge today connect with this local history through the structure that still bears her name.
The bridge is easy to walk across and accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists without difficulty. Visitors can stop at viewpoints along the riverbank to see the structure from different angles.
The bridge features both rounded and pointed arches, showing different architectural approaches from its building period. This mix makes it a noteworthy example of how bridge design evolved during the medieval era.
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