Ponte Velha sobre o rio Tua, Stone bridge crossing Rio Tua in Mirandela, Portugal
Ponte Velha sobre o rio Tua is a stone bridge from the 16th century with seventeen granite arches connecting two main streets of the town. The structure spans roughly 228 meters and is built from dressed stone that shows the marks of centuries of use and weather.
The bridge was built during the reign of King Manuel I in the early 16th century, a time when the kingdom was actively expanding its infrastructure. Later, after major flooding in more recent times, the structure underwent significant changes to several of its arches.
The bridge takes its name from the river it crosses, and locals use it daily as a vital connection through town. It serves as a gathering place where people naturally meet and where community rhythms flow with everyday life.
The bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists with a level granite surface that has been recently restored. Be mindful of wet conditions, especially after rain, as the stone surface can become slippery.
A significant portion of the original structure was destroyed by a natural disaster and rebuilt using new elements. This alteration is visibly evident in the varying sizes of the arches as you walk across the bridge.
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