The bridge was constructed between 1520 and 1521, during the reign of King D. Manuel I of Portugal from the left bank of the Guadiana, in the parish of Senhora da Ajuda, along a roadway segment between Elvas and Olivença (and attributed to the "Arruda brothers").

[1] Between 1640 and 1642, Matias de Albuquerque, Governor of the Alentejo, began the refortification of Olivença with the construction of a third or fourth lines of walls.

[1] On 24 January 1967 the Portuguese government declared the bridge a Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).

[3] The bridge is located in a rural environment, isolated and encircled by wild vegetation, approximately 100 metres (330 ft) from the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, along a segment of abandoned road 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) between Elvas and Olivenza.

[1] Along the main platform, an old tower was erected along the sixth arch of the right bank, which was constructed over large boulders, now visible along the margin.