Valença-Tui international bridge
Valença-Tui international bridge, International road-rail bridge between Valença and Tui, Portugal and Spain
Description
The Valença-Tui bridge is a stone and iron structure with two levels spanning the Minho River. The lower deck carries road traffic while the upper deck holds railway tracks, with both forms of transport operating side by side.
History
Construction started in 1882 and the bridge opened in 1885, establishing a permanent rail and road link between the two countries. This structure was part of late 19th-century infrastructure development on the Iberian Peninsula.
Culture
The bridge links two historic border towns where pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago walk daily between Portugal and Spain. Each side has its own character: Valença feels like a walled old town, while Tui spreads along the riverbanks with a different rhythm.
Practical
Crossing is free and there are no border controls thanks to the Schengen Agreement between the two countries. Pedestrians can walk across without difficulty and enjoy views of the river and surrounding towns during the crossing.
Did you know?
The structure rises about 15 meters above the water and is a rare combination allowing vehicles to use the lower level while trains run above. This dual use on two separate levels is a remarkable engineering achievement from the bridge's founding era.
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Catedral de Santa María de Tuy
1.1 km
Fortificações da Praça de Valença do Minho
454 m
Igreja Paroquial de Valença
449 m
Igreja de São Fins de Friestas
5.4 km
Convento de Ganfei
2 km
West Portal of Cathedral of Tui
1.1 km
Igreja do Salvador de Ganfei
2.1 km
Museu Ferroviário de Valença
1.6 km
Capela da Misericordia de Tui
1.1 km
Câmara Municipal de Valença
634 m
Ponte Velha
5.7 km
Convento de Santo Domingo
1.5 km
Igreja de Santo Estêvão
567 m
Capela Militar do Bom Jesus
904 m
Monumento aos Combatentes da Grande Guerra em Valença
938 m
Monte Aloia
5.2 km
Pelourinho de Valença
567 m
Paiol do Campo de Marte
970 m
Conjunto Histórico de la Ciudad de Tuy
1.1 km
Gravuras Rupestres da Tapada de Ozão e do Monte da Lage
5.2 km
Antigo edifício da CGD de Valença
635 m
Igreja da Misericórdia de Valença
427 m
Área Panorámica
1.5 km
Cruceiro do Arcebispo Lago González
1.2 km
Casa do Eirado
637 m
Pelourinho de Telheira
3.5 km
Chafariz da Praça da República
697 m
Junta de Freguesia de Verdoejo
4.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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