monument · Resende, RJ
Ponte Nilo Peçanha (Ponte Velha)
Opened in 1905 over the Rio Paraíba do Sul, it has a metal structure prefabricated in Belgium and brought by ship. Known as the Ponte Velha, it is one of the landmarks of downtown's historic heritage.
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 Nilo Peçanha (Ponte Velha)
The Ponte Nilo Peçanha, which everyone in Resende calls the Ponte Velha, crosses the Rio Paraíba do Sul (river) and links downtown to the Campos Elíseos neighborhood. It is one of the town's best-known images and today serves as a pedestrian crossing.
It opened on April 16, 1905. The metal structure was imported from Belgium, arrived by ship at the port of Rio de Janeiro and was then taken on to Resende. The name honors Nilo Peçanha, then president of the State of Rio de Janeiro, who attended the opening.
Before it, crossing the river depended on wooden bridges, and the first one, from 1821, was swept away by a flood. For more than 50 years the Ponte Velha was the only link between the two sides of town, used by people, carts and cattle drives. In the 1980s, a residents' movement helped save it from demolition. The bridge is listed by Inepac, the state heritage agency, and by the town government.
The walk across is flat and short, good for any age. From the middle of the bridge there is an open view of the river and both banks of the town.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes to walk across, stop in the middle and take photos.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the low light shines on the river and the bridge; on calm days the river reflects the structure.
How to get there
It is in downtown Resende, over the Rio Paraíba do Sul (river), between downtown and the Campos Elíseos neighborhood. You can walk there from the central streets.
Tip
Cross to the Campos Elíseos bank and look back: from there you can see the whole bridge over the river.
A look at the place
Ponte Nilo Peçanha (Ponte Velha) 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 Nilo Peçanha (Ponte Velha)
Does it cost anything to cross the Ponte Velha?
No. The bridge is a free public pedestrian crossing.
Can cars cross the Ponte Velha in Resende?
No. Today it is used as a pedestrian crossing between downtown and Campos Elíseos.
When did the Ponte Velha open?
On April 16, 1905, with a metal structure imported from Belgium.
Why is it called Ponte Nilo Peçanha?
It honors Nilo Peçanha, then president of the State of Rio de Janeiro, who attended the opening.
Is the Ponte Velha a protected heritage site?
Yes. It is listed by Inepac, the Rio de Janeiro state heritage agency, and by the Resende town government.