Maria Pia Bridge
Ponte Maria Pia, Porto - Portugal
Phone: +351 223 393 470
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Designed by the great French Engineer Gustave Eiffel (1832-1929), the cast iron Maria Pia Bridge was used for 114 years until replaced in 1991 by the nearby São João Bridge (see separate entry). Eiffel’s first great project, it was secured at a price 31% below the next lowest tender. Construction started in January 1856 and the railway bridge was inaugurated by King Luis I in November 1877; it is named after his wife. It spans 353 metres over the River Douro at a height of 60 metres. With an arch span of 160 metres, it was the world’s longest arch span bridge.
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