Historic footbridge over the Arade River in Silves (Roman Bridge) closed since 2024 as repairs accelerate

Closure and repairs on the historic footbridge

The historic footbridge spanning the Arade River in Silves has been cordoned off by the local authorities since 2024, after inspections judged it to be at immediate risk of collapse. At present, the essential repair work is progressing more quickly.

Roman Bridge in Silves: origins and later changes

The old crossing, commonly referred to as the Roman Bridge, is thought to date from between the mid-14th and mid-15th century and has long provided an important route across the river.

In 1963, after it began to show structural faults, it was superseded by a new bridge built further along the Arade. Around the same time, the creation of the marginal avenue led to the old structure being widened and repurposed as a pedestrian bridge.