Bridge of Paderne – a stone bridge near the castle in the Algarve

The Bridge of Paderne (Portuguese: Ponte de Paderne, also called the Castle Bridge) is a stone crossing in the municipality of Albufeira, in Portugal's Algarve. It lies in a valley close to the ruins of Paderne Castle and makes a rewarding stop on quiet countryside walks. Its coordinates are roughly 37.1557 N, 8.1985 W.

What does the bridge look like?

The structure has three arches and two starlings, the pointed piers that split the current, shaped like triangular prisms. This form eases the pressure of floodwater on the piers. The silhouette is typical of Roman bridges, so guides and walking maps often call it a Roman bridge.

How old is it?

Visitors ask this most. Some sources describe the bridge as medieval, others as Roman. The firmest clue is the date 1771 carved above the central arch, taken as the year the current bridge was built. The route itself is far older: it already existed in the late Roman period, so people crossed the river here long before the present structure was raised.

What was it used for?

The bridge was part of the route linking Loulé and Silves, two important towns of the region. It let travellers, traders and villagers cross the river, including when the water ran high. Today it serves mainly as a heritage landmark and a walking destination.

What else is nearby?

• Paderne Castle. Its existence is recorded in a document of 1189 written by an anonymous crusader. In 1248 knights of the Order of St James, led by Paio Peres Correia, defeated the Islamic garrison here.
• An old mill. A few metres from the bridge stands a mill abandoned in the 1930s. Its walls show how life along the river once looked.
• Walking trails. The area is popular with hikers, and routes taking in the bridge and castle are described on trail-map sites, for example the circular PR1 walk.

Restoration

In 2002 the bridge underwent rehabilitation works, which is why it can be seen in good condition today.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bridge of Paderne Roman? It looks Roman, but the date 1771 above the central arch points to a much later construction. The route it carries dates back to the late Roman period.

How many arches does it have? Three, with two starlings shaped like triangular prisms.

Which towns did the route connect? Loulé and Silves.

What stands beside the bridge? Paderne Castle and an old mill abandoned in the 1930s.

Is it a good place for a walk? Yes. The bridge and the castle fit into one walk around Paderne, inland from the Albufeira coast.

Who is this place for?

It suits people who enjoy heritage sites without the crowds, short walks and history set in stone. When planning a visit, combine the bridge with the castle ruins, since the two lie a short distance apart. Photographers will like the three arches and the triangular starlings seen from the riverbank.