Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto, Portugal

The Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal. At its construction, its 172 metres span was the longest of its type in the world.

Construction took place between 1881 and 1886 with the bridge being built adjacent to an existing bridge which it replaced. The granite pillars of the original bridge are still in place, standing on the Ribeira like a pair of gate posts.

One of the notable features of the Ponte Dom Luís I is it's two levels; one on top of the arch and the other suspended below it. Both decks were initially intended to carry road traffic but these days the top carries the Porto Metro trains as well as having a pedestrian walkway. It is worth making the crossing on the upper level.

Today Luis I Bridge is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal

User Reviews

Mao Chu (2 years ago)
The view of the bridge it self is stunning, but if you stand up on the top of the bridge, it gives a whole different feeling! We didn’t have chance to take the cable car to the top, but we took another way, where you can walk up from the train station to the bridge. The way is easy to walk, especially with the sun shining it’s actually quite comfortable to walk. To walk on the bridgeC it takes around 15-25 minutes plus photo shooting time (at least for me

Lucy Oliveira (2 years ago)
Appreciated the panoramic views walking across the top of the bridge which is only open to the Metro train and people walking along the sidewalk. One can descend down towards the shoreline via a side road and walk back along the lower level of the bridge. Best part of this is that it doesn't cost you any money unless you decide to stop for lunch along the way.

Nicky Jurd (2 years ago)
A magnificent landmark worthy of close inspection. We walked across the bridge both day and night and marvelled at the construction and design of the bridge. Crossing from above or below will give you a completely different perspective of the Douro River. On the southern side of the bridge is the best spot for photos but is often crowded with people taking selfies.

Bonita Liang (2 years ago)
Icon of Porto! The view is amazing day and night. Top bridge is quite a climb but it's a relaxing walk once you are there. The bottom bridge seems to be busier but it adds to the fun. Try both if you have a chance.

Douglas Kelly (2 years ago)
Walk over the small bridge to more historic shops and restaurants. There are great views. If you are there on a busy day you might feel like crossing the bridge is a sporting event. Between cars, narrow pedestrian walks and lots of activity, watch your step. Fun to walk and explore. Great pictures at sunset

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Steve Clasper

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The hall was once a major centre of international trade. Traveling merchants met there to discuss business and to barter. During its golden age in the 15th century, the hall was the source of a variety of exotic imports from the east – spices, silk, leather and wax – while Kraków itself exported textiles, lead, and salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Kraków was Poland's capital city and was among the largest cities in Europe already from before the time of the Renaissance. However, its decline started with the move of the capital to Warsaw in the very end of the 16th century. The city's decline was hastened by wars and politics leading to the Partitions of Poland at the end of the 18th century. By the time of the architectural restoration proposed for the cloth hall in 1870 under Austrian rule, much of the historic city center was decrepit. A change in political and economic fortunes for the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria ushered in a revival due to newly established Legislative Assembly or Sejm of the Land. The successful renovation of the Cloth Hall, based on design by Tomasz Pryliński and supervised by Mayor Mikołaj Zyblikiewicz, Sejm Marshal, was one of the most notable achievements of this period.

The hall has hosted many distinguished guests over the centuries and is still used to entertain monarchs and dignitaries, such as Charles, Prince of Wales and Emperor Akihito of Japan, who was welcomed here in 2002. In the past, balls were held here, most notably after Prince Józef Poniatowski had briefly liberated the city from the Austrians in 1809. Aside from its history and cultural value, the hall still is still used as a center of commerce.

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The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art was a major cultural venue from the moment it opened on October 7, 1879. It features late Baroque, Rococo, and Classicist 18th-century portraits and battle scenes by Polish and foreign pre-Romantics.

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