Audio Guide of Trajan's Roman Bridge

Trajan's Roman Bridge is an open-air structure and is accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the week, as it is part of the public thoroughfare. No ticket is required, and there are no closing hours, so you can visit whenever you like.

No, visiting Trajan's Roman Bridge is completely free. It is a public monument over the Tâmega River, so there are no fees or tickets to cross it or admire it.

If you simply want to cross the Roman Bridge and admire its structure and the scenery, about 15 to 30 minutes will be enough. If you would like to enjoy the views, take photos, or stroll along the nearby riverbank, you could extend your visit to 45 minutes or an hour.

Trajan's Roman Bridge is an impressive remnant of Roman engineering, built in the 1st century AD under Emperor Trajan. It formed part of Route XVII of the Antonine Itinerary, which connected Braga with Astorga, and was essential for trade and communication at the time. Legend says that the foundations of one of its piers conceal a commemorative stone pillar erected by the proconsul of the province of Tarraconensis, Gaius Calpurnius. It has 18 arches and is very well preserved.

The best time to visit is during daylight hours, preferably at sunrise or sunset, to enjoy softer light and fewer people. As for the time of year, spring and autumn offer more pleasant temperatures, although summer lets you enjoy the riverside surroundings more fully. In winter, it can be fascinating to see it with mist or with the river at a higher flow, but temperatures are colder.

Yes, Trajan's Roman Bridge is relatively accessible. As it is a bridge, the surface is smooth and flat, allowing wheelchairs or strollers to pass without major difficulty. Access from the riverbanks is also usually via gentle ramps, although we recommend checking the exact ground conditions on the Chaves City Council website if you have specific concerns.

Chaves offers several points of interest very close to Trajan's Roman Bridge. You can visit the Chaves Castle and its keep, the Bacalhau Garden, the Roman Baths (today's Chaves Thermal Spa), or stroll through the historic center and enjoy the local cuisine, especially the Chaves pastry and the famous Chaves cured ham.

I recommend wearing comfortable shoes if you plan to walk along the riverbanks. If you are interested in photography, sunset offers spectacular views of the bridge. Consider combining your visit with some relaxation at the nearby Chaves Thermal Spa, or with a pleasant walk through the old town to soak up the city's history and atmosphere. And don't forget to try the Chaves pastry!