Adventurous travelers can add a new suspension footbridge in Portugal to their lists. The Aruca Bridge 516 is open to visitors and has an open metal floor that allows those who cross it to see the Rio Paiva River below.
The 516 m long bridge is suspended 175 m above the river in the global Arouca Unesco Geopark, near Porto. The bridge connects the escort of Agueiras Falls and the Paiva Gorge area, two of the geospark’s 41 geosites. Its length makes it the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, a record previously held by the Charles Kuonen suspension bridge in Switzerland.
Developed by Itecons and built by Conduril – Engenharia, SA, the bridge is supported by two V-shaped concrete towers. Its design combines elements of a Tibetan-style pedestrian bridge, and the floor and side railings are made of metal mesh, allowing visitors to see everything around. Construction began in 2017, but was delayed because the bridge had to be relocated due to deployment difficulties and unforeseen geological problems. Construction was completed last July, and the bridge is now open to the public from the age of six.
This bridge aims to attract lovers of technology, nature lovers and people who love extreme experiences. Those who cross it will be able to see the Agueiras waterfall, the Paiva passages, the Alvarenga bridge and the Paiva gorge. It costs 12 euros for adults and 10 euros for students, children and the elderly.