It's said that a terribly feared bandit once tried to escape justice in the remote mountains, but soon found himself surrounded by his pursuers. In a desperate attempt, he tried to flee over the torrential Rabagão river, but was trapped on the steep cliffs around it.
But, in its wake, remained the stone bridge.
Since then the "Devil's Bridge" has remained, majestic and picturesque, perched over the banks of the Rabagão. And it now allegedly has sacred properties!
Legend has it that if a woman hasn't been able to conceive, or if she is pregnant but foresees a difficult or dangerous birth, she should go the middle of the bridge's arch with her family at night, with a rope and a glass, and wait.
The trip to Misarela should be repeated until the proper conditions are met. Legend has it that all fetuses baptized there do not die, so it may be worth it.
Beginning hundreds of years ago, it's reported that several of the children bearing those specific names (Gervásio and Senhorinha) have regularly gathered to celebrate this legend, which may have saved their lives.
In the early 19th century, French troops famously used the bridge to flee from British and Portuguese forces during the Peninsular War, running just as the bandit had.
The bridge is appraised for its excellent execution, set solidly on the granite walls of the banks.
Another legend says that the huge rock rising from one side of the bridge is the "Devil's Pulpit," believed to be the place where Satan goes to preach at midnight to a council of witches.
Some sources say that the new godparent is supposed to lower the glass down to the river using the rope to collect some water, then rub it over the woman's womb, reciting a prayer which proclaims that the child should be called Gervásio if it's a boy, or Senhorinha if it's a girl.
In the north of Portugal, on the border between Montalegre and Vieira do Minho, lies a legendary bridge said to be built by the Devil himself. Situated over the sparkling Rabagão river in the heart of the lush Gerês mountain, the Misarela Bridge is a mystical place that you certainly don't want to miss.
Click through to find out the fascinating tale about how this mysterious bridge came to be, and the paranormal perks it offers visitors today.
Exploring the legends of the devil's bridge
An ancient passage supposedly built by Satan himself
TRAVEL Curiosity
In the north of Portugal, on the border between Montalegre and Vieira do Minho, lies a legendary bridge said to be built by the Devil himself. Situated over the sparkling Rabagão river in the heart of the lush Gerês mountain, the Misarela Bridge is a mystical place that you certainly don't want to miss.
Click through to find out the fascinating tale about how this mysterious bridge came to be, and the paranormal perks it offers visitors today.