Lisbon is one of those cities that’s magical because of its river. Tagus river is amazing because it gives a new light to the city while offering a completely different view if you see Lisbon from the water.
25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril)
This bridge is deeply connected to the history of Portugal. It’s a suspension bridge that connects the city of Lisbon to the municipality of Almada on the south bank of the Tagus River.
Construction and architecture
It was inaugurated on August 6, 1966, after forty-five months of construction and an intention to build a bridge since 1929. The bridge was constructed by the American Bridge Company, the same that built the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge.
With a total length of 2,277 metres (7,470 ft), it is the 43rd largest suspension bridge in the world.
The upper deck carries six car lanes while the lower deck carries a double track railway, electrified at 25 kV AC. The lower deck was added in 1999.
History
After years of intention to build this bridge, it was ordered to be constructed by the Portuguese Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar – who was a dictator. The bridge was named after him and maintained the name “Salazar Bridge” until the 25th of April 1974 – the date of the revolution that overthrew the remnants of Salazar’s dictatorship. From this day on, the bridge is called 25th of April Bridge.
Vasco da Gama Bridge
Vasco da Gama is the longest bridge in the European Union, with a total length of 12.3 kilometres. It’s a cable-stayed bridge flanked by viaducts that span the Tagus River in Parque das Nações in Lisbon.
Construction and History
Vasco da Gama bridge was built to alleviate the traffic congestion on the 25th of April Bridge and make it possible to travel between the country’s northern and southern regions without the need to pass through the inner city.
The bridge was inaugurated on 29th of March 1998, after 3 years of construction work. This was just in time for Expo 98, the World's Fair that celebrated the 500th anniversary of the discovery by Vasco da Gama of the sea route from Europe to India.
Visiting the Bridges
You can take a look at these marvellous bridges from land or from the water. Both views are incredibly beautiful, and for a complete experience, we suggest doing both.
From land, the best view to the 25th of April Bridge is on the south part, in Almada Cristo Rei. In Lisbon, you should head to Docas for the perfect photograph of this bridge together with Cristo Rei.
To see Vasco da Gama Bridge, take a walk by the river in Parque das Nações. This area is also very pleasant because of the beautiful parks and the cable cars you can get to have a high point view of the city by the river.
To complete your experience, don’t forget to take a boat tour that will provide you with the most amazing view of both bridges. Discover our tour Sailing Adventure between 2 bridges and let yourself wander through these Tagus river’s treasures
