Bridge of Chaves

The historic Roman bridge crosses the Rio Tâmega, almost in the center of the city of Chaves , this magnificent Roman work is also known as Ponte de Trajano.

This monument was built between the late first century and early second century AD, during the process of Romanization of the region , coinciding with the reign of Emperor Marcus Ulpius Trajano.

By this time , known as Aquae Flaviae was an important Roman town , with a large spa center and good road and civil structures .

The bridge was the subject of subsequent restoration and renovations throughout the centuries , being greatly affected and partially destroyed by a flood in the sixteenth century.

Today there are 12 visible arches .

A middle of the bridge are two columns dedicated to the emperors Trajan and Titus Flavius ​​Vespasianus .

The first is known as Padrao dos Povos , and is of great historical value , as documented communities involved in its construction.

Em 2001 was discovered a stretch of Roman road fifty meters in the current Rua Cândido dos Reis, which gave access to the bridge.
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