A bridge rebuilt multiple times between Elvas and Olivença

The Ponte de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda is a bridge that crosses the Guadiana River between Elvas and Olivença. It was constructed between 1520 and 1521 during the reign of King D. Manuel I of Portugal on the left bank of the Guadiana, along a roadway segment between Elvas and Olivença.

During 1597, many of the archways were damaged or destroyed during flooding. Between 1640 and 1642, the bridge was in a state of ruin and may have been rebuilt during the refortification of Olivença. It was then partially destroyed by Spanish forces in 1657 and rebuilt again during the same century. In 1709, the bridge was partially demolished by artillery during the War of the Spanish Succession. In 1801, the Spanish army under the command of D. Manuel Godoy annexed the town of Olivença.

Although in ruin, the bridge was 453 metres long and 5 metres wide. Today, eight arches remain along the right margin and five along the left margin. These are inconsistent rounded arches supported by talhamares. The archivolts, with two rows of staves, are supported by quadrangular pillars reinforced by high talhamares. Along the main platform, an old tower was erected along the sixth arch of the right bank, constructed over large boulders which are now visible along the margin.

The bridge is located in a rural environment, isolated and encircled by wild vegetation, approximately 100 metres from the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda. It has been designated as a Property of Public Interest since 24 January 1967.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons