RESTAURANTE TRANSMONTANO
Região do Barroso
Sidrós – Ferral – Montalegre
-----***-----
Legend of Misarela
The Misarela Bridge, also known as the Devil’s Bridge, is located in the parish of Ferral, in the municipality of Montalegre. This structure, built over the Rabagão River, is the cradle of two of the most unusual legends in Portugal.
It is believed to have been constructed by the Devil himself.
In ancient times, a nobleman from the Douro (or was he a terrible criminal?) was desperately fleeing from his pursuers.
Cornered by the imminent capture, the man ventured towards the Rabagão River, which was tempestuous at the time.
Unable to cross the current, he vainly sought divine intervention.
He then remembered to invoke the power of the Devil, promising his soul in return for assistance in his escape.
At that moment, the Devil appeared, agreeing to his request and stretching a bridge in front of him.
Thus, the man fled and lived in the region for many years.
At the brink of death, with his soul about to be handed over to the Devil, the man confessed his pact to a priest, who absolved him of all sins.
Driven by faith, the priest, disguised as a farmer and under the cover of night, went to the place where the Devil had extended the bridge.
There, he invoked Satan, promising his soul in exchange for passage.
The bridge appeared as if by magic, and as the priest crossed it, he blessed it with holy water, using a sprig of heather (or was it rosemary?) while reciting an exorcism. The dark figure of Satan, engulfed in a thick sulfurous cloud, vanished as if by enchantment, leaving behind a strong smell of pitch and incense. However, the bridge remained, firm and beautiful, connecting the two banks.
The Misarela Bridge preserves a ritual, now almost extinct, which consecrates the monument as a mythical, sacred, and magical place in popular culture.
Pregnant women, fearing miscarriage, accompanied by their husbands and other family members, would spend the night on the bridge. They had to ensure that no animal passed after sunset and wait for the first person to cross the bridge, who would then be invited to become the godparent of the future child.
No one ever refused the request, as it was considered a moral duty.
The baptism was performed on the spot: a long rope was used to lower a black clay jug into the depths of the abyss to collect water for the ceremony.
The expectant mother received the Rabagão water on her belly, and the godparent recited the prayer: "I baptize you, creature of God, by the power of God and the Virgin Mary, if you are a boy, you will be Gervaz; if you are a girl, you will be Senhorinha."
Even today, Gervazios and Senhorinhas can be found throughout the region, living proof of these rituals.
The Municipality of Montalegre, along with the Municipality of Vieira do Minho and local associations, has been promoting the tourism and cultural potential of the Misarela Bridge. This includes marking walking routes, organizing trail races, celebrating the Carnival, and the annual Festa da Ponte da Misarela, where the legendary, fantastic, and historical elements that make this bridge and its surroundings a truly magical place are re-enacted.
