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Bridges, Porto

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Bridges: Ponte Luis I
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  • arasnosliw
  • By arasnosliw on November 10, 2004
  • Porto Page by arasnosliw
  • Ponte Luis I (under construction) - Porto
    Ponte Luis I (under
    construction)
    by arasnosliw
    The Bridge Luis I, built in 1886, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Porto. When I visited, the bridge was under construction because an underground train system was in the process of being built. Thus I apologize for all the framework masking the true beauty of the bridge in my photo. The bridge connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia (on the south side of the Douro).

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    Bridges: Ponte Dom Luis I
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  • magor65
  • By magor65 on July 5, 2007
  • Porto Page by magor65
  • Ponte Dom Luis I - Porto
    Ponte Dom Luis I
    by magor65, 1 more photos
    Ponte Dom Luis I was constucted by one of Gustav Eiffel's students and opened in 1886. This iron bridge consists of two levels. The lower one is for motor vehicles and the upper for pedestrians and metro.
    Walking over it is quite an experience, especially for people who suffer from fear of heights, like me. I didn't feel very secure when I was in the middle of it high above the river (about 60 metres) and the metro thundered past me. But it was worth it - the views from the bridge are stunning.
    There is a sculpture on the bridge that commemorates a sad event that took place in Porto in 1809. When French troops invaded the city, its inhabitants were escaping in large numbers to Vila Nova de Gaia using a pontoon bridge (built from linked barges). The construction didn't withstand such a big weight and 5000 people lost their lives in the river.

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    Bridges: Ponte Luis I
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  • micas_pt
  • By micas_pt on December 14, 2003
  • Porto Page by micas_pt
  • Bridges - Porto
    by micas_pt
    Ponte D. Luis (D. Luis Bridge) is one of the city's ex-libris, showing in most postcards and guides. This bridge was designed by one of the co-workers of Eiffel and it was built in 1886. It is nowadays still used, although one of the ways it's closed due to underground system (train) construction. You will probably notice this bridge from distant points, but even so, take your time to take a walk there. Neighbourhoods around it are worth a visit (Ribeira on the Porto side and Gaia on the other side of River Douro), and you will see beautiful views over the River Douro from this point.

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    Bridges: Ponte Dom Luis I
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  • antistar
  • By antistar on August 14, 2005
  • Porto Page by antistar
  • Ponte Dom Luis I, Porto - Porto
    Ponte Dom Luis I, Porto
    by antistar
    Argh! Look at this. The very thing I most wanted to see in all of Porto, the Ponte Dom Luis I, totally obscured by scaffolding. The view of it, magnificent from so many parts of the city, was ruined, and you couldn't even walk across the top for views of the city, as that had been closed off also. This was so typical of my visit to Portugal, where everything seemed to be under construction at the height of the tourist season, that it no longer came as a shock to me that the two major draws for the city (this being one of them) were only partially functional as a tourist attraction.

    This century old two tier bridge would be a delight to see from the Cais da Ribeira (pictured) if it wasn't shrouded in metal and canvas sheets. Some other good views for when you go are at either end of the top tier.

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    Bridges: Ready to walk over the bridge to Porto
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  • dabidc
  • By dabidc on July 3, 2004
  • Porto Page by dabidc
  • High level road crossing - Porto
    High level road crossing
    by dabidc
    The esplande mention in the previous photo did give a great location for a view showing the top level of the bridge and the area of the Cathedral in Porto.

    Crossing the bridge would complete the circular walking tour of both side of the river and allow me to reach my hotel and realax before the evening.

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    Bridges: Roof top view of the Bridge.
  • Tip Rating:
  • dabidc
  • Updated By dabidc on July 3, 2004
  • Porto Page by dabidc
  • View from the Wine Cellar. - Porto
    View from the Wine Cellar.
    by dabidc
    The tasting room at the Offley Cellar afforded a view across the roof tops towards the Bridge across the Douro. Just to prove I did not overindulge in tasting the Port , I managed to take the view without camera shake or worse still have the bridge shake or be upside down.

    The decision now was to go to sleep off the effects of the wine or climb up the hillside and then cross the river on the upper level of the bridge and return to Porto.

    The way up did not appear staight forward so I walked down to the river side and then found a way up to the same level as the road.

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  • Directions: On Vila Nova de Gaia side of the Douro river.
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    Bridges: Ponte Dom Luis 1
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  • suvanki
  • Updated By suvanki on February 5, 2009
  • Porto Page by suvanki
  • Ponte Dom Luis 1 from Gaia  Porto - Porto
    Ponte Dom Luis 1 from Gaia
    Porto
    by suvanki, 4 more photos
    This Bridge is considered to be Portos' Landmark, it is probably the most photographed structure in Porto.

    Designed by Teofilo Seyrig, a Belgian engineer, who was a student of Gustav Eiffel, (There is some confusion that Eiffel himself designed this bridge - but in fact he designed the nearby Maria Pia railway bridge).

    The bridge was needed to replace the defunct Ponte Pensil that had previously connected Ribeira with Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank, and was inaugerated in 1886.

    The old stone pillars on the Ribeira side of the bridge are the only remains of the Ponte Pensil.

    The lower tray of the bridge carries vehicles, with 2 narrow pavements for passengers.
    This was particularly busy on the Sunday afternoon that I visited, as groups of cyclists raced through amongst the many cars and motor scooters.

    The upper tray offers spectacular views for pedestrians. It also carries the metro. I understand walking along here can be quite daunting for those with a fear of heights.

    This photogenic bridge is apparently worth viewing early morning, as the mist, which hangs over the river begins to clear

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    Bridges: Ponte Dom Luis I
  • Tip Rating:
  • agarcia
  • Updated By agarcia on August 8, 2003
  • Porto Page by agarcia
  • Ponte Dom Luis from the Duoro - Porto
    Ponte Dom Luis from the Duoro
    by agarcia
    Dom Luis Bridge is the umbilical cord between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, connecting the two cities at two different levels. I almost crashed my car against its iron walls while driving into it... but I can provide a convincing explanation for that, apart from being a terrible driver (I'm learning, I'm learning). The bridge is absolutely spectacular, photogenic from every angle, at every hour of the day. It is so spectacular, indeed, that the traffic authorities of Porto should place a sign for newcomer drivers, something like “Spectacular bridge: be extra cautious while driving over it” . That will save a lot of lives. Did I convince anybody? ;-)

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    Bridges: the dom luis bridge.
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  • cachaseiro
  • By cachaseiro on October 7, 2008
  • Porto Page by cachaseiro
  • dom luis bridge. - Porto
    dom luis bridge.
    by cachaseiro, 2 more photos
    the dom luis bridge is a very impressive bridge that is roughly 120 years old.
    it“s an iron bridge with 2 floors and carries both cars, trains aswell as pedestrians and bicycles.
    ķt“s the most important bridge in porto when it comes to connecting the two parts of town on each side of the river and one of the big landmarks of porto.

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    Bridges: Ponte Dona Maria Pia and Ponte de S Joao
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  • suvanki
  • Updated By suvanki on April 17, 2009
  • Porto Page by suvanki
  • Ponte Dona Maria Pia  and Ponte de S Joao - Porto
    Ponte Dona Maria Pia and
    Ponte de S Joao
    by suvanki,
    2 more photos
    The Ponte Dona Maria Pia iron railway bridge was in service between 1877 and 1991. It was a single line track. Designed as a double hinged arch, pillars re-inforce the strength of the structure.

    It is considered to be the first great piece of work by Gustavo Eiffel. His bridge was started on 5th January 1876, and was completed on 31st November 1877.

    King Dom Luis and his wife Queen Dona Maria Pia (Who the bridge is named in honour of) attended the inauguration ceremony.

    The Ponte Dom Luis 1 is often mistakenly attributed to Gustavo Eiffel.

    In 1991, the Ponte S. Joćo (S. Joćo Bridge) replaced the Ponte Dona Maria Pia, although as you can see, it still is an interesting and aesthetically pleasing bridge!

    Edgar Cardoso designed this 20th Century railway bridge. It is a simple looking design with a portico and three arches (two measuring 125m and one of 250m), divided by supporting pillars.

    The inauguration took place on S. Joćo Day - which was on 24 July 1991.

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