Ponte Santa Isabel

The Ponte Santa Isabel is a road bridge in Recife that crosses the Capibaribe River and connects different neighborhoods on either side. It features a metal framework with spacious lanes and sits just upstream from where the river meets the Beberibe.

The bridge opened in 1863 as Recife's first iron bridge, designed by French engineer Louis Léger Vauthier and built by English engineer William Martineau. This engineering achievement marked a turning point in how the city's infrastructure developed.

The bridge sits directly across from the Teatro Santa Isabel, tying together the city's cultural institutions with its historic core. It serves as a daily passage for residents connecting to the theatrical and civic life of central Recife.

The bridge is positioned just behind the Palácio das Princesas and works as the final crossing before the river merges with its counterpart. The best vantage point is from the middle section, where you can observe the river traffic and the surrounding areas clearly.

Severe floods in the 1960s caused major damage to the bridge, leading to its complete reconstruction in 1967 under Mayor Augusto Lucena's leadership. This rebuilding effort demonstrated the city's commitment to restoring and reinforcing its critical infrastructure.