The bridge was commissioned by D. Fernando, the first Abbot of the Monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas.
The tower acted as a 'portorium,' a medieval toll booth where travelers were required to pay for crossing the river.
It was designated as Portugal's first classified National Monument in 1910.
The tower features a stone coat of arms depicting the shield of the Cistercian Order.
The bridge consists of a single large arch designed to withstand the periodic flooding of the Varosa River.
The site functioned as an autonomous jurisdictional area where the Cistercian monks held legal authority.
The Ponte e Torre Fortificada de Ucanha is a 12th-century stone bridge and fortified tower located in the Douro region of Portugal. Originally built to collect tolls for the Cistercian monks of Tarouca, the site served as a vital customs barrier on the road to Lamego. The structure comprises a medieval bridge spanning the Varosa River and a massive square tower that functioned as both a defense fortification and a residence for the toll collector. It is recognized as the first monument in Portugal to be classified as a National Monument in 1910. The tower features crenellated battlements and a coat of arms of the Cistercian Order on its facade. The surrounding village of Ucanha retains a traditional rural layout, providing context for the monument's historical role as a commercial hub. Preservation efforts have maintained the structural integrity of the masonry and the stone arches over the river.
From the riverbank on the downstream side to capture the reflection of the tower and the bridge arch simultaneously.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the historic stone paving around the riverbank can be uneven and slick.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the heat of the Douro Valley summer.
Do not attempt to climb the exterior walls of the tower; stay within designated paths.
The interior of the tower may have varying accessibility; check local municipal signage for seasonal museum operation updates.
Respect the residential nature of the surrounding village; maintain a quiet demeanor.
