Last updated: 08/26/2022
Learn more about the emblematic 6 Bridges of Porto, which connect the city to Vila Nova de Gaia, in northern Portugal, and see them up close on the “Cruzeiro das 6 Pontes do Porto” on the waters of the Douro River.
THE 6 BRIDGES OF PORTO
Until the 1950s, there was only one bridge between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. This single bridge proved to be insufficient to meet the growing number of vehicles that had to cross it every day. In this way, new bridges were being built from the second half of the 1950s onwards, making the city of Porto the European city with the largest number of bridges. Are they:
1. ARRÁBIDA BRIDGE
Built between 1956 and 1963, this bridge is the closest to the Atlantic Ocean, near Foz do Douro. It is 500 meters long, 26 meters wide and 70 meters above the level of the Douro River.
A curiosity is that it is possible to climb the Arrábida Bridge! Through Porto Bridge Climb, it is possible to access the only arch bridge in Europe open to visitors through its 262 steps. The price is €17.50 per person for groups of 1 to 4 people and €16 for groups of 5 or more people. Reservations can be made in this link and payment is made exclusively at the reception at the entrance to Ponte Arrábida.
2. LUIS I BRIDGE
The most famous bridge in Porto was built in iron, between 1881 and 1886, and is a tribute to King Luís I. At the bottom, in addition to passing cars, it is possible to walk towards the Cais de Vila Nova de Gaia, where the famous Port wine cellars. At the top, pedestrians can walk along the sides and, in the center, trains on the D (yellow) metro line circulate. The bridge is 395 meters long and 8 meters wide and, at the time of its inauguration, it was the bridge with the longest iron arch in the world. A curiosity is that the project is by Théophile Seyrig, disciple of Gustave Eiffel (yes, the one on the Tower). The bridge is 395 meters long at the top and 174 at the bottom, 8 meters wide and is 45 meters above the river level. Its beautiful arch is 172 meters long.
3. BRIDGE OF INFANTE D. HENRIQUE
Completed in 2003, this bridge is the newest of Porto's 6 bridges and is the longest arch bridge in the world! The bridge is 371 meters long by 20 meters wide, standing 75 meters above the river level. Its arch is 280 meters long.
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4. D. MARIA PIA BRIDGE
Gustave Eiffel left his mark in Porto, as he designed this bridge built between 1876 and 1877, before designing the work for which he became world famous, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. As it is the first rail link in the city, it is considered one of the most important in Porto. The bridge is 354 meters long, 20 meters wide and stands at a height of 61 meters above the river level. Its arch is 160 meters long.
5. SÃO JOÃO BRIDGE
It was designed during the 1990s to account for the growth in road and rail traffic. Inaugurated on Saint John's Day in 1991, the name is a tribute to the city's most popular saint. At the top of the bridge pass the convoys (trains) that go to the south of Portugal. It is the longest bridge in Porto, 1,140 meters long, 20 meters wide and 61 meters above river level. Its main span is 250 meters long.
6. ASH BRIDGE
Also known as “Bridge of the Periphery”, for being the last one, this bridge was inaugurated in 1995. Currently, it is the main bridge for entrance and exit of the Port. In fact, it's not just one bridge, but two bridges separated by just 10 centimeters apart. The bridge is 750 meters long and 36 meters wide. It is 33 meters above river level and its main span is 150 meters.
CRUISE OF THE 6 BRIDGES OF PORTO
One of the popular activities in Porto is the Cruise of the 6 Bridges that cross the Douro River and connect the city of Porto to the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. In general, the cruise lasts 50 minutes and costs from €15 per person and the tours depart daily from both Cais da Ribeira do Porto and Cais de Gaia. Here are some suggested tours below:
- Porto: 6 Bridges Cruise on the Douro River
- Porto: 6 Bridges Cruise on the Douro River
- Porto: City Tour, Cruise and Wine Tasting
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Read more about Portugal:
HARBOR
- Portugal: What to do in Porto – 2 or 3 days itinerary
- Portugal: How to get from Porto Airport to the center
- Port: Hotel One Shot Aliados Goldsmith 12
- Portugal: Guided Tour of the beautiful Palácio da Bolsa in Porto
- Restaurante Onze: Haute cuisine in Porto
- Porto: Restaurant Francesinhas Al Forno da Baixa
- Cálem: Tour in the most visited cellar in Port Wine
- Vices at the Table – Bad Habits: Pizza and culture in Porto
- Porto.CARD: Savings tip in the city of Porto
- Porto: Lello Bookstore, the most beautiful bookstore in the world
- Portugal: Ribeira Square Restaurant in Porto
- Kind Kitchen: Casual Vegan Food in Porto
- Portugal: Curiosities and Tours on the 6 Bridges of Porto
LISBON
- Portugal: How to get from Porto Airport to the center
- Lisbon accommodation tip: Brown's Downtown Hotel
- Portugal: What to do in Lisbon – 3 days itinerary
- Portugal: Guide to where to eat in Lisbon (with map!)
- Lisbon: Dinner with Fado performances at Adega Machado
- Lisbon Card: Savings tip in the Portuguese capital
- Portugal: The historic Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon
- Portugal: How to visit São Jorge Castle in Lisbon
- Portugal: Visiting the Belém Tower in Lisbon
- Portugal: How to get from Lisbon Airport to the center
- Portugal: Discover the National Pantheon in Lisbon
