monument · São João del-Rei, MG
Ponte da Cadeia
A Roman-style stone bridge completed in 1798, after the old wooden bridge collapsed during a procession. The name (Jail Bridge) comes from the town hall and jail building that stood next to it.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ponte da Cadeia
The Ponte da Cadeia is an arched stone bridge that crosses the Córrego do Lenheiro (stream), in downtown São João del-Rei. It is one of the town's postcard images and stands next to the City Hall building.
The bridge dates from the late 18th century. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism, it was commissioned after the wooden bridge that stood on the same spot collapsed as a procession was crossing it. It was built in the Roman style and was originally called Ponte Nova (New Bridge).
The current name (Jail Bridge) came with the building constructed next to it to house the town council, upstairs, and the town jail, downstairs. Today that building houses City Hall.
The visit is quick and free: you can cross on foot, look at the arches from the banks of the stream and photograph the bridge with the mansions around it. It is on the way for anyone walking around the historic center, near churches, museums and the railway station.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes, enough to cross the bridge and photograph it from the banks of the stream.
Best time
On sunny days, in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer on the stones and the mansions; the dry season, from April to September, usually has clearer skies.
How to get there
It is in downtown São João del-Rei, over the Córrego do Lenheiro (stream), next to the City Hall building. If you are in the historic center, you can walk there; by car, look for parking on the avenues along the stream.
Tip
Go down to the grassy bank of the stream to see the full arches; from the top of the bridge you only see the low wall.
A look at the place
Ponte da Cadeia in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ponte da Cadeia
Why is it called Ponte da Cadeia?
Because of the building constructed next to it to house the town council, upstairs, and the town jail (cadeia), downstairs. Today the building houses City Hall.
How old is the Ponte da Cadeia?
It dates from the late 18th century. It replaced a wooden bridge that collapsed as a procession was crossing it.
Is there a fee to visit the Ponte da Cadeia?
No. It is a public bridge downtown, open at any time.
Where is the Ponte da Cadeia?
In downtown São João del-Rei, over the Córrego do Lenheiro (stream), next to the City Hall building, a short walk from the churches of the historic center.
What is the other name of the Ponte da Cadeia?
At first it was called Ponte Nova (New Bridge).