Portugal Partial view of the city of Ribeira Grande

The Eight Arches Bridge connects Sousa e Silva Street, on the right bank of the stream, to Estrela Street, on the left bank. It is built on eight round arches resting on rectangular pillars.

It was constructed of plastered stone masonry painted white on the railings and wall panels on the south side, and of exposed stonework with mortared joints on the other surfaces.

The pillars are reinforced on the outer faces by pilasters that extend to the railing and are intersected, mid-height, by the arches' imposts. The imposts are notched on the inner sides of the arches. The deck's railing is perforated along its entire length and rests on a cornice reinforced with corbels.

The Eight Arches Bridge, which has been included on the municipal coat of arms, is one of the largest Azorean road projects of the 19th century, designed by military engineer Sousa e Silva. The Paraíso Bridge, which was successively extended on the same site as the first stone bridge built there by Fernão Álvares, is naturally a stopping point for all visitors.

Lots of culture, paintings alluding to the experiences of the Azorean people as well as those in the diaspora spread across the world. Many exhibitions throughout the year. Lots of people, especially tourists visiting the Azores. It is a mandatory stop to get to know Azorean culture up close.

There's not much to invent, the best way to get around São Miguel (or any other island in the Azores) is by car. From Ponta Delgada it's about 20 minutes to get to Ribeira Grande city.