Ponte Nova da Cava da Velha

The Ponte Nova da da Velha Cava (also Ponte Nova or Ponte da da Velha Cava ) is a Roman stone bridge in northern Portugal. It spans about three kilometers south of Castro Laboreiro on the edge of the Parque Nacional da Peneda -Gerês over the Rio Castro Laboreiro.

History

The bridge was probably built in the 1st century. Around the 13th century it was repaved. In 1986 it was granted the status of National Monument. However, this structure is absent in the two most extensive lists of Roman bridges.

Description

The construction consists of two highly inclined, about three feet wide ramps, which rest on two circular arcs with very unequal sizes. The larger has a wingspan of 10.5 meters and a height of 7.5 meters, the smaller a wingspan of 1.7 meters and a height of 3.3 meters.

The arch stones are hewn, paving consists of large stone slabs. In order to strengthen the pillars and to protect them from the power of water, are mounted upstream and downstream breakwater.

Gallery

The bridge in the landscape