The World's Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge Opens in Portugal
“Frighteningly Beautiful,” the 1,692-foot bridge is suspended 574 feet above a canyon.
Portugal‘s 516 Arouca pedestrian suspension bridge has just opened. Taking the title for the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, the 516 Arouca spans 516 meters (1,692 feet) and is suspended 175 meters (574 feet) above a canyon/river.
Described as “frighteningly beautiful” the bridge is located an hour south of Porto in the UNESCO-recognized Arouca Geopark, and connects the banks of the Paiva River. Its design was inspired by Inca bridges of the Andes and is supported by two large V-shaped posts. A maximum of 100 people are allowed on the bridge at once where it will take a total of 10 minutes to cross. Those with a fear of heights may want to think twice as the surface of the bridge is a metal grid that allows for a full view of the gorge.
VIDEO: Portugal opens the longest suspended pedestrian bridge in the world in Arouca. The bridge hangs on heavy steel cables strung between V-shaped concrete towers and runs 516 metres (1700 feet) across a canyon, at a height of 175 metres pic.twitter.com/bOL5CrNCJZ
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) April 30, 2021
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