Ponte Maria Pia, Porto

Spanning the Douro River in the heart of Porto, the Ponte Maria Pia stands as an enduring testament to the ingenuity of 19th-century engineering. Constructed between 1876 and 1877, this bridge was designed by the iconic Gustave Eiffel, before the creation of his eponymous tower in Paris. The Ponte Maria Pia was a critical infrastructure project, aimed at connecting Porto with Lisbon by railway.

The bridge was a marvel of its time, primarily made of wrought iron, and it was Eiffel's first major work. Its single-span arch was the longest of its kind in the world at the time of completion, measuring approximately 160 meters. The structure's total length extends to 353 meters, with the arch itself soaring 60 meters above the river. The Maria Pia bridge served as a crucial artery for rail traffic for over a century until it was superseded by the modern São João bridge in 1991.

While no longer in use for its original purpose, the Ponte Maria Pia remains a significant cultural and historical icon in Porto. It is recognized for its aesthetic elegance and the advanced engineering techniques of its era. The bridge is not open for public transit or tours, but it can be admired from various vantage points along the river. Its distinctive silhouette against the Porto skyline continues to fascinate both locals and tourists alike, serving as a reminder of the city's rich industrial heritage and its place in the annals of architectural history.