Discover the 6 Bridges of Porto

There are 6 emblematic bridges that unite the two banks of the Douro River. Each one with its own beauty and history, these bridges connect the city of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Although the two cities have exactly the same number of bridges, it is Porto that gains prominence with the title of the only city in Europe with 6 bridges over a river, which are an important symbol of the undefeated city.

Find out more about these magnificent works of architecture admired by all who pass by.

 

BRIDGE LOUIS I

This is the most famous bridge in Porto, being the symbolic image of the city. Built in honor of King Luís I, it was baptized as Ponte Dom Luís I, later losing the title of “Dom” due to the king’s non-appearance on the day of its inauguration.

It is a work by Eiffel and Seyring, built completely in iron, having once been considered the bridge with the longest iron arch in the world.

Currently, the upper deck is reserved for the passage of the metro and pedestrians, and where it is also possible to observe the most emblematic landscape over the Douro River and its vessels.

Photo by Drew Bae on Unsplash             

 

ARRÁBIDA BRIDGE

Designed by engineer Edgar Cardoso, the Arrábida Bridge arises from the increased movement of the city that was not guaranteed by the existing ones, thus deciding to build a second bridge, being considered at the time the bridge with the largest concrete arch in the world. It is the bridge that is closest to the Atlantic Ocean, and currently, in the place where its construction was planned, there is the Casa D’Oro restaurant.

Foto de Márcio Azevedo na Unsplash

 

D. MARIA PIA BRIDGE

Inaugurated in 1877 by D.Luís I of Portugal and Dona Maria Pia, this bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and is currently more than 140 years old, being the oldest existing in the city of Porto. It was the first railway connection in the city, and for this reason, it is considered one of the most important bridges in Porto. When it was built it had the largest iron arch in the world.

 

 SÃO JOÃO BRIDGE

Like the Arrábida Bridge, the São João Bridge was built in order to respond to the increase in rail traffic, as well as the need to create an alternative rail connection to the D. Maria Pia Bridge. It was also designed by architect Edgar Cardoso, and inaugurated on June 24, 1991, Saint John's Day, in honor of this saint, the most popular and cherished in the city of Porto.

 

FREIXO BRIDGE

The Freixo Bridge, known as the “periphery bridge”, was designed by António Reis and Daniel de Sousa, and inaugurated in 1995. It is considered the most peripheral bridge in the city, and is currently the main entrance and exit bridge from the city of Porto, registering There is a very high daily road flow (more than 100 thousand vehicles).

 

INFANTE D. HENRIQUE BRIDGE

The Infante D. Henrique bridge is, among the existing bridges, the most modern and recent. It was completed in 2003 and named in honor of Infante D. Henrique, born in the city of Porto. It was even considered the longest arch bridge in the world with only one upper deck.

 

Discover more about the emblematic bridges on board a magnificent cruise of the 6 bridges along the Douro River, and take the opportunity to contemplate their beauty in an environment full of charms!