Dom Luís I Bridge, Multi-level iron arch bridge in Porto's historic center, Portugal.
This double-deck metal structure spans 385.25 meters across the Douro River with a main arch of 172 meters and rises 45 meters above the water level.
Designed by Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig, who worked with Gustave Eiffel, the bridge was constructed between 1881 and 1886 to replace an earlier suspension bridge.
Designated as a Cultural Heritage of Public Interest in 1982 and part of UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, it represents Portuguese industrial heritage achievements.
The upper deck currently serves metro trains while the lower level accommodates road traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists connecting Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia.
Named after King Dom Luís I, this bridge features nighttime illumination that creates striking reflections on the Douro River waters below.
Location: Santa Marinha e São Pedro da Afurada
Location: Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória
Inception: 1881
Architects: Léopold Valentin, Théophile Seyrig
Official opening: October 31, 1886
Height: 45 m
Length: 385.25 m
Longest Span: 172 m
Part of: Historic Centre of Porto
Address: Rua da Ribeira Negra, Avenida de Gustavo Eiffel, Avenida Vímara Peres, Avenida Diogo Leite, Avenida da República 4430-033 Porto
GPS coordinates: 41.13972,-8.60944
Latest update: October 31, 2025 08:44
Bridges have connected shores, valleys and communities for centuries. This collection presents significant bridge structures from different periods and regions. From medieval stone arches to modern steel constructions, these works demonstrate the evolution of engineering. The 16th-century Rialto Bridge in Venice spans the Grand Canal with a single stone arch. The Golden Gate in San Francisco extends 2.7 kilometers, connecting the city with northern California. In Singapore, the Helix Bridge forms a pedestrian connection across Marina Bay with its double spiral structure. These constructions serve practical functions in urban transport while defining the skylines of their cities. They document technical solutions to geographic obstacles and show different approaches to bridge building across the centuries.
Gustave Eiffel and his firm designed and constructed metal bridges across several continents between the 1860s and early 1900s. These structures enabled railway and road connections over rivers, gorges, and valleys. The bridges used wrought iron and later steel, with truss and arch designs that represented advanced engineering methods for their time. Examples of this work are found in Portugal, where the Maria Pia Bridge crosses the Douro River, and in France, including the Garabit Viaduct over the Truyère. In Vietnam, the Long Bien Bridge connects Hanoi across the Red River. Additional structures stand in Peru, Bolivia, and other South American countries. Many of these bridges remain operational or accessible as preserved engineering monuments.
Discover Porto, a charming city in northern Portugal, known for its main monuments, religious buildings, and cultural sites. You will see its famous historic bridges, remarkable churches, and museums filled with incredible collections.
Monastery of Serra do Pilar
225 m
Igreja de Santa Clara
310 m
Ponte pênsil D. Maria II
112 m
Infante Dom Henrique bridge
670 m
Ribeira Square
317 m
Funicular dos Guindais
257 m
Walls of D. Fernando/Fernandina Wall
358 m
Calém wine cellars
229 m
Teleférico de Gaia
192 m
Igreja dos Grilos
352 m
Episcopal Palace, Porto
311 m
City walls of Porto
360 m
Elevador da Ribeira
197 m
Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro
323 m
Alminhas da Ponte
172 m
Fernandine Walls of Porto
203 m
Recolhimento do Ferro
215 m
Douro Acima
314 m
Kopke
253 m
Igreja da Serra do Pilar
200 m
Fonte de São João
330 m
Torre da Rua de Baixo
281 m
Nicho do Senhor da Boa Fortuna
265 m
Capela da Lada
155 m
Burmester wine cellars
81 m
Casa do Ascensor dos Guindais
266 m
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Piedade
291 m
Torres da Muralha Fernandina
360 mReviews
Real people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes