Ponte da Misarela

The Ponte da Misarela crosses the Rabagão where the river runs in a granite gorge, a single high arch of dressed stone rising steeply from rock on both banks, of medieval date and rebuilt early in the nineteenth century. It carried an old route between Montalegre and the Minho. It is universally called the Ponte do Diabo, the devil's bridge, and carries the standard European legend - the devil built it overnight in exchange for the first soul to cross, and was cheated - along with local traditions that are more specific: it was said to be a place where fugitives were safe, and pregnant women came to the bridge in the belief that it would help a difficult birth, a practice recorded into the twentieth century. The setting is bare granite, deep water and steep sides, and the walk down from the road is short but steep. Swimming below is popular and dangerous.

History

The bridge was built in the Middle Ages and rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century; local legend says the Devil himself built it, and it was nicknamed Saltador, "the jumper" (Wikipedia, Ponte da Mizarela).

What you'll find

• The single arch - a high medieval span rising steeply from granite on both sides.
• The gorge - the Rabagão running between bare rock walls.
• The devil legend - the standard bargain story attached to the bridge.
• The local traditions - refuge for fugitives, and a practice around difficult births.

When to go

April to October. One to two hours. The water is high and fast after winter rain and snowmelt.

Things to know

The access road is narrow and the path down steep and rough. The bridge has low parapets and the drop is considerable. Swimming and jumping below have caused serious accidents. No facilities of any kind.

Nearby

Montalegre and its castle are north-east; the Gerês valleys are south-west.

Key facts