City of Bridges

Ponte Pênsil (Suspended Bridge)

This bridge is officially named Ponte D. Maria II (D. Maria II Bridge), but locals never call it that. The engineers Mellet and Bigot were the ones responsible for the project, and the foundation stone was set in 1841. The bridge was finished and opened to public use in 1843. This was the first modern bridge over the Douro. Today the bridge no longer stands, but one can see one of the towers remaining on one bank of the river.

Ponte Maria Pia (Maria Pia Bridge)

The first great piece of work by Gustavo Eiffel is the double hinged arch bridge known as the Ponte Maria Pia. The construction of the bridge began in 1876 and was concluded the following year. The inauguration ceremony took place in November of 1877 was attended by the King and Queen of Portugal. The bridge was then in service up until 1991 when it was replaced by the Ponte S. João (S. João Bridge).

Ponte D. Luís I (D. Luís I Bridge)

A beautiful iron bridge that spans the River Douro. This designer of this bridge was an associate of Eiffel who had worked with him on the construction of another bridge in the city. Construction was started in 1881 and was finished in 1886.

Ponte do Freixo (Freixo Bridge)

The Ponte do Freixo (Freixo Bridge), designed by Professor António Reis, consists of two twin beams. This particular bridge is located on the outskirts of Porto. Today the bridge has 4 traffic lanes.

Back to the Top