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Bridge · Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo
Ponte Eiffel
Metal bridge with two decks over the rio Lima, inaugurated in 1878, with the train underneath and the road above; attributed to Gustave Eiffel's company.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ponte Eiffel
The metal bridge over the rio Lima, known as Ponte Eiffel, links the centre of Viana do Castelo to the south bank in Darque. It was inaugurated in 1878 and is attributed to the company of French engineer Gustave Eiffel, the same who built the Paris tower; at the time he built several iron bridges in Portugal.
The structure is about 645 metres long and has two decks: the upper is for road traffic and the lower is for rail, carrying the linha do Minho. The iron decks rest on eleven masonry and ashlar piers, and the shortest span between two piers exceeds 46 metres. It is one of the main examples of iron architecture in Portugal.
The bridge remains in use for cars, pedestrians and trains. Crossing it on foot brings you close to the structure and gives a view of the river, the town and, above, the santuário de Santa Luzia.
The riverbank on the town side has promenades from which you can see the whole bridge.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 40 minutes, including the walk across.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the light hits the iron and the town.
How to get there
It sits at the east exit of the centre, about a 15-minute walk from Praça da República along the riverbank.
Tip
Cross via the pedestrian walkway and return facing the town: the view of the sanctuary atop the hill is the best part of the walk.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ponte Eiffel
Who built the Ponte Eiffel of Viana do Castelo?
The bridge is attributed to the company of engineer Gustave Eiffel and was inaugurated in 1878.
Can I walk across the bridge?
Yes, there is a pedestrian walkway on the upper deck, where cars also pass.
Why does the bridge have two levels?
The upper deck is for road traffic and the lower deck is for rail, for the linha do Minho.