PONTE DOM LUIS I ER

This admirable double-decker arch bridge, inaugurated on October 31, 1886 after six years' work, was not designed by Gustave Eiffel, but by his disciple and associate Teófilo Seyrig. A must-see structure in the Porto skyline, it's sure not to go unnoticed. The Dom Luis ^I bridge was built to replace a twenty-year-old cable suspension bridge, itself the successor to the Pont des Barques dating from 1806. Very similar to the Maria-Pia railway viaduct a little further upriver, it spans the Douro at a height of over 70 meters, linking the historic old Ribeira district with Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal's wine cellar. During its construction, it was referred to in the newspapers of the time as the "Luis^1er Bridge". The tradition was not to mention royal titles, but to use the "little name" of the patrons of works of art to mark the proximity of sovereigns to the people, as in the case of the Maria Pia Bridge (not Dona Maria Pia). It is said that, as the king did not deign to attend the inauguration of the structure dedicated to him, the people of Porto decided to mark their distance by keeping his title in the name, contrary to tradition. The bridge was inaugurated in two stages: the upper deck in 1886 and the lower deck in 1888. This superb work of art is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Crossing the 395-meter-long upper deck on foot is a truly unforgettable visual experience, although not recommended for those prone to vertigo (if so, take the lower deck, which is "only" 175 meters long). The easiest way to reach the second deck is to take the Dos Guindais funicular railway, located at the Ribeira end of the bridge. Once you've reached the other side, a cable car will take you up to river level, where you'll be able to visit Porto's wine cellars. For some years now, the upper deck has been closed to cars. Only the metro (line D), cyclists and pedestrians can use it. St. John's Day is also celebrated here in Porto: to round off the festivities in style, after a host of events and festivities in the city and rabelo regattas, a gigantic fireworks display is launched from the bridge. If you're in the area at this time of year, it goes without saying that this is the place to be: the superb setting, coupled with a sound and light show, is unforgettable!