(35) THE «OLD BRIDGE» OF SILVES, Algarve
Its origin has remained uncertain (Roman? Medieval?) till nowadays. The bridge crosses the Arade River with five arches (may be there were six of them originally) and is built from stone fitted masonry - the typical reddish Silves' sandstone. The piers are protected by cutwaters (pointed elements on the pier-bases, to break the wave chock and to ease the water flow) that enhance the bridge's image of stability and robustness.
The two Plane trees (Platanus sp, Platanaceae family) on the left side of the picture are actually on the right riverside - a good example of how trees can help defining a landscape.
[Portuguese post on Feb 2nd, 2008]
Category: THE HERITAGE
Dec. 2008: Image down to 20% of ORIGINAL SIZE (click to see). Comments closed.
Tags: Image Bridge Arade_River Silves Sandstone Masonry Pier Cutwater Plane_tree Platanus Algarve Portugal
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