Vasco da Gama Bridge: One of The Most Significant Landmarks in Lisbon

Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon was opened in 1996 and nowadays is one of the most impressive landmarks of the Portuguese capital. The architectural structure is a striking combination of functionality with beauty and grace. The capacity of the regular six-lane highway is up to 52,000 vehicles. As for the periods when the traffic load increases several times, there are 2 more additional lanes.

The length of the bridge is 17.2 km and the width is 30 meters. It was built to reduce traffic on Lisbon's first bridge, known as the 25 April Bridge. The project was carried out after taking into account a set of factors that could affect the performance, safety, and service life of the structure, such as the characteristics of the bottom topography and the landscapes of the northern and southern banks of the Tagus, environmental, and aesthetic aspects. 

The bridge was created by the French engineer Michel Virlojo. He managed to carry out an amazing project, taking into account all the nuances of safe construction, fitting it perfectly into the landscape, and keeping the ecological balance of the environment

The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is recognized as a real miracle of modern engineering. It makes a lasting impression on the audience, and it should be seen within Lisbon tours to create a full impression of the city. It's definitely the most stunning among Portuguese bridges. To see the bridge in all its beauty it's recommended to have a look from the embankment, from the Park of Nations, from the cable car cabins. Those who are keen on active sports can have a look from a paraglider. Wonderful photos and videos against the backdrop of the gigantic structure are guaranteed.

For two decades, it occupied first place in the ranking of the longest bridges in Europe. When entering, the opposite side is not visible, creating the illusion of infinity. That part of the structure which passes over the Park of Nations is one of the most striking attractions of the capital of Portugal. 

Bridge design and architecture make a special impression at night as soft luminous points are reflected in the water. The bridge is modern and safe, but the route is often used by local street racers, who cause large-scale car accidents. 

The entrance on the bridge is chargeable because the funds for the construction of this attraction were allocated by the Lusoponte consortium, which received a 40-year concession. However, a high-speed trip on a broadband highway and wonderful views are worth spending a certain amount of money and time on traveling across the bridge