The best cycling routes around Santa Leocádia

The Roman Baths Museum, recently opened, is a must-see. It is located in Largo do Arrabalde, very close to the current baths. It is the largest Roman bath complex in the Iberian Peninsula. What makes this museum special is that, after an earthquake in the 4th century, the structures collapsed and remained "frozen" in time until they were rediscovered a few years ago. You can see the huge original stone pools where Roman legionaries bathed 2,000 years ago. The Roman Baths Museum What to see: It is the largest Roman bath complex in the Iberian Peninsula. What makes this museum special is that, following an earthquake in the 4th century, the structures collapsed and remained "frozen" in time until they were rediscovered a few years ago. You can see the huge original stone pools where Roman legionaries bathed 2,000 years ago.

Fort of São Francisco (The Main One) This is the fort that dominates the city skyline and where the statue of General Silveira is located. What it is today: It has been magnificently restored and operates as a 4-Star Hotel, but the historical area is open to visitors. Why visit: History: It was here that General Silveira besieged and defeated Napoleon's troops in 1809. Interior: You can enter (entry to the courtyard is free) and see the Church of São Francisco. Originally a convent, the church houses the tomb of the first Duke of Braganza. Views: The ramparts offer an incredible panoramic view over the city and the Tâmega River.

The Bridge of Trajan (often simply called the Roman Bridge) is, without a doubt, the most important monument in Chaves. It is worth visiting because it is not just an "old stone bridge"; it is a masterpiece of engineering that defines the city's identity. Here are the 4 main reasons why: 1. Walking on 2,000 Years of History This is one of the best-preserved Roman bridges in the entire Iberian Peninsula. It was built between the late 1st and early 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Trajan. The Feeling: Crossing it on foot (cars are forbidden) means you are literally walking on the same stones as Roman legions, medieval merchants, and Napoleonic troops. It is an instant trip back in time. 2. Engineering that Defies Time It is worth looking closely at the structure to understand why it is still standing. The Tâmega River is known for its violent floods, yet the bridge has withstood them for two millennia. The Secret: If you go down to the riverbank, notice the cutwaters (the triangular structures at the base of the pillars). They were designed to "cut" the force of the water and prevent the bridge from collapsing. It is a live lesson in ancient architecture. 3. The Stones that "Speak" (Milestones) In the middle of the bridge, you will find two cylindrical stone columns (milestones) with Latin inscriptions. One of them is particularly important: the "Padrão dos Povos" (Standard of the Peoples). The inscription lists the 10 local tribes of the region (the "Aquiflavienses") who contributed to the construction of the bridge. It is a historical document carved in stone that has survived to this day. 4. The Photogenic Scenery The bridge connects the historic center to the Madalena neighborhood and is set within a beautiful public garden (Jardim do Tabolado). It is the perfect spot to watch the sunset, seeing the reflection of the arches in the water with the Castle of Chaves dominating the landscape high above. Visitor Tip: After crossing the bridge coming from the historic center, turn left and walk along the landscaped riverbanks. There are stepping stones (pedras poldras) nearby in the water that allow you to see the grandeur of Trajan's Bridge from an impressive low angle.

The 140 metre-long Ponte Trajano (Trajan Bridge) in Chaves in the Trás-os-Montes region of north eastern Portugal dates from the reign of the Emperor Trajan (53-117) in the early second century AD. The Emperor Trajan was known as a great promoter of public works including the Trajan Forum and Trajan Column in Rome.

The Roman Bridge of Chaves, also known as Trajan's Bridge, is located over the River Tâmega and was built between the end of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century. Along with the development of the thermal baths, it constitutes one of the best Roman legacies of the ancient Águas Flávias, which still stands today, withstanding historic floods and the strong currents of the river. Approximately one hundred and fifty metres long and with a dozen visible arches, the works carried out in the 1930s covered some of the arches and others were still buried in the construction of the houses built there and overlooking the river.[citation needed] In 2008 it became a pedestrian bridge.

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This stone arch bridge is also called Trajan's Bridge.

There are quite a few abandoned grand hotels in Vidago which had his heyday a hundred years ago as Portuguese prime spa destination for European aristocracy.