Valença-Tui international bridge, International road-rail bridge between Valença and Tui, Portugal and Spain
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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