Roman bridge over Lima River - Ponte de Lima | Portugal

Hi all :)

We continue in the village of Ponte de Lima, and we have a few more things to show and tell you.
This time, in the area closest to the river, we can observe the Roman bridge that gave the village its name.
This bridge is considered one of the oldest in Portugal and played a fundamental role in the region's growth over the centuries.

The history of Ponte de Lima dates back to Roman times, it was during this era that the village began to flourish due to its strategic location as a crossing point between Santiago de Compostela and Braga city center. It was built in the 1st century A.C, during the reign of Emperor Augustus.
The original bridge consisted of 16 arches and was constructed of granite. Over the years, it underwent several renovations, but it maintained its Romanesque essence, beauty, and historical significance. In addition to its practical function as a trade route, it played a crucial role in the defense of the region, protecting the village against invasions and ensuring the safety of its inhabitants.

Today, the bridge is one of the main symbols of the village and an unmissable tourist attraction. As we crossed the bridge, we imagined stories of the battles that took place there, with swords, horses, knights, duels, and challenges.
The waterfront of Ponte de Lima is incredibly beautiful, accompanied by the Lima River, offering a romantic setting for enjoying typical regional meals.
Along the avenue, we can find several restaurants, taverns, and bars that invite us to make another stop so we can enjoy everything the village has to offer simultaneously.
One of the regional specialties is "arroz de sarrabulho," a typical dish made with pork, pork's blood, rice, and many spices (personally, i'm not a fan). We also have cod dishes, such as "bacalhau à Gomes de Sá" or "bacalhau à Zé do Pipo," which are among my favorites.

As we walked through the narrow streets leading to various squares, we noticed many walkers. The village is an important point of passage for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The Portuguese Way is a historical route that starts in the city of Porto, goes all the way to the Spanish border, and then connects with the French Way in the city of Tui, Spain.
While crossing the bridge, pilgrims can appreciate the serene landscape, listen to the sound of water, and absorb the beauty that surrounds them. They are welcomed with warm hospitality from the locals, who often applaud them upon their arrival. As they make the crossing and before reaching one of the shelters, they encounter a small church where a Mass is being held, and many stop to watch and perhaps regain their strength. Along the way, we heard the chords of the song "Hallelujah," which fit perfectly in that moment.

We crossed the bridge to see what could be found on the other side as well. In addition to the church i mentioned, there is the Toy Museum. It is a charming place that offers a nostalgic journey into the world of childhood and toys. Unfortunately, it was closed, so we couldn't go inside.
This visit allowed us to take a brief trip back in time, where we were able to learn about history, culture, and even a bit of religion. We hope to be able to return soon!

Hope you enjoyed this share :)
Don't miss the next visit

Photo by @aleister
Camera - Canon EOS 600D
Lens - EFS 18-55mm / 70-300mm
Location - Portugal

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