Ponte Eiffel, Iron bridge in Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Ponte Eiffel is an iron bridge spanning about 645 meters across the Lima River, connecting Viana do Castelo with the Darque district. The structure has two levels: above are roads for vehicles and walkways for people, while below sits the railway track.

The bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel's engineering firm and built in 1878, replacing a wooden bridge authorized in 1807 that had become an obstacle to the port's tides. It carried the Minho railway line and the EN13 road, linking Viana do Castelo to Darque. In 2007 the upper road deck was widened from 6.88 m to 8 m.

The bridge represents the industrial progress of the 19th century and shows how engineers of that era mastered iron construction. Visitors today appreciate the craftsmanship and building techniques that made such crossings possible at that time.

The bridge is easy to reach from both riverbanks and has wide paths for pedestrians to cross safely on foot. A renovation in 2007 enlarged the deck and made the crossing more comfortable for all visitors.

The plan for the new bridge was drawn up by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel, and the structure was built by his company, the Société Eiffel, in 1878. The railway runs inside the truss girder, while road traffic uses the upper deck, which was widened from 6.88 m to 8 m in 2007.