the jesuits were known to be industrious and they developed various activities on their vast estate - from their plantations they produced both agricultural and manufactured products. the bridge-damn was part of a channel between the guandu and itaguaí rivers, the project was part of an irrigation system for their rice fields.

although it was intended to be a highly functional structure, it was also beautiful in design and therefore has great cutural and artistic significance - it remains a testament to their ingenuity.

its eight granite columns with pinecone capitals, the carved symbol of the society of jesus, displaying the date of construction, are also devotional. a portion of a latin inscription entreats the traveler to, 'bend your knee to the great name. here also bends the flwoing water'.