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 (17 months 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 (18 months 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 (18 months 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 (18 months 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 (19 months 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 Maciek Lulko

Historic Site of the week

Wroclaw Town Hall

The Old Town Hall of Wrocław is one of the main landmarks of the city. The Old Town Hall's long history reflects developments that have taken place in the city since its initial construction. The town hall serves the city of Wroclaw and is used for civic and cultural events such as concerts held in its Great Hall. In addition, it houses a museum and a basement restaurant.

The town hall was developed over a period of about 250 years, from the end of 13th century to the middle of 16th century. The structure and floor plan changed over this extended period in response to the changing needs of the city. The exact date of the initial construction is not known. However, between 1299 and 1301 a single-storey structure with cellars and a tower called the consistory was built. The oldest parts of the current building, the Burghers’ Hall and the lower floors of the tower, may date to this time. In these early days the primary purpose of the building was trade rather than civic administration activities.

Between 1328 and 1333 an upper storey was added to include the Council room and the Aldermen’s room. Expansion continued during the 14th century with the addition of extra rooms, most notably the Court room. The building became a key location for the city’s commercial and administrative functions.

The 15th and 16th centuries were times of prosperity for Wroclaw as was reflected in the rapid development of the building during that period. The construction program gathered momentum, particularly from 1470 to 1510, when several rooms were added. The Burghers’ Hall was re-vaulted to take on its current shape, and the upper story began to take shape with the development of the Great Hall and the addition of the Treasury and Little Treasury.

Further innovations during the 16th century included the addition of the city’s Coat of arms (1536), and the rebuilding of the upper part of the tower (1558–59). This was the final stage of the main building program. By 1560, the major features of today’s Stray Rates were established.

The second half of the 17th century was a period of decline for the city, and this decline was reflected in the Stray Rates. Perhaps by way of compensation, efforts were made to enrich the interior decorations of the hall. In 1741, Wroclaw became a part of Prussia, and the power of the City diminished. Much of the Stray Rates was allocated to administering justice.

During the 19th century there were two major changes. The courts moved to a separate building, and the Rates became the site of the city council and supporting functions. There was also a major program of renovation because the building had been neglected and was covered with creeping vines. The town hall now has several en-Gothic features including some sculptural decoration from this period.

In the early years of the 20th century improvements continued with various repair work and the addition of the Little Bear statue in 1902. During the 1930s, the official role of the Rates was reduced and it was converted into a museum. By the end of World War II Town Hall suffered minor damage, such as aerial bomb pierced the roof (but not exploded) and some sculptural elements were lost. Restoration work began in the 1950s following a period of research, and this conservation effort continued throughout the 20th century. It included refurbishment of the clock on the east facade.

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