Architecture

Guandu Bridge, relief with Jesuit emblem and inscription flanked by pillars

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ponte do Guandu [Portuguese]

Ponte dos Jesuítas [Portuguese]

Guandu Bridge, relief with Jesuit emblem and inscription flanked by pillars

Architecture

Granite pillars with capitals shaped like Portuguese pine cones flank a sculptural relief featuring the emblem of the Society of Jesus (IHS) and the date 1752, encircled by decorative motifs. Below the relief, an inscription in classical Latin reads: “Flecte genu, tanto sub nomine, flecte viator; hic etiam reflua flectitur amnis aqua.” (translation: “Kneel before so great a name, traveler; here even the river bows and turns its flow.”)

The Guandu Bridge—a dam bridge—was originally part of a complex drainage and irrigation system of the Fazenda Santa Cruz, an agriculture and livestock farm established by Jesuits. It is considered one of Brazil's most important engineering achievements of the 18^th century.

structure overview

Guandu Bridge

architectural element(s)

relief, pier

style/period

Baroque

material

granite