A «Grandiosa Ponte» da Vila de Vouga, de Dom João V a Dona Maria I.

Abstract

At the beginning of the 18th century, the medieval bridge in the old town of Vouga, over the
river of the same name, was so silted up that, in times of flood, people would cross the river by
boat. Around 1713, by order of king João V, the arches of the medieval bridge were partially dismantled
and a new bridge was built on top of the remaining structures. The new bridge, «grand»,
«magnificent», built with «great art», collapsed partially in 1761. At least two ferry boats came
into operation, replacing the bridge. Temporary wooden structures were also built, allowing the
bridge to be used again (1776). Finally, from 1791, by order of Maria I, the bridge was rebuilt
and extended. In this article, the interventions carried out in the 18th century are studied. Information
is also collected on environmental factors, namely meteorological, which help to frame
and, to a certain extent, explain the evolution of the bridge’s condition.