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516 Arouca Bridge

516 Arouca Bridge

Located 175 metres above the Paiva River, the 516 Bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world.

Image source: @sergiotavaresferreira

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Bridge 516 Arouca - The world's largest suspension bridge

In Arouca, just over 60 kilometres from the cities of Porto and Aveiro, stands one of the most imposing structures in the world, and one of the main tourist attractions of this city in the Aveiro district. The 516 Arouca Bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. At 516 metres long and 1.20 metres wide, it rises 176 metres above the beautiful Paiva River. The structure attracts tourists and engineering enthusiasts from all over the world, who come to Arouca seeking the adrenaline and thrill of walking on a structure almost 200 metres above the ground. The Arouca region is no stranger to tourism, however, let alone the rural and nature tourism sector. Indeed, the region boasts the popular UNESCO Global Geopark of the same name, which includes the 516 Bridge itself. Construction of this natural area began in 2005, standardising local attractions and encouraging visitors from all over the world to come and marvel at the four internationally important geosites found in the area, as well as the mysterious Parideiras rocks or the fossils of the world's largest trilobites, and, of course, the Passadiços do Paiva.

In summary, Arouca's Bridge 516 is currently the main attraction of this region, but it is far from being its only point of interest. However, its construction was anything but easy. After all, it is a remarkable feat of engineering, requiring many rigorous wind speed calculations, as well as cable strength tests, construction and fastening solution research. Even going into detail, it is impossible to understand the complexity of such a structure, which is why it is worth visiting: the 516 Arouca Bridge is made up of 127 metal railing bridges, each serving as an independent capsule, in order to give visitors a greater sense of safety and comfort.

The Geopark and the Paiva River

This innovative and fascinating feat of engineering is in itself reason enough to pack your bags and head to Arouca, but the surroundings and experiences on offer are invitations to visit. The bridge is part of the Arouca Geopark and rises above part of the Paiva Passage, which itself is an interesting and popular attraction in the area. This is an 8.7 kilometre route around the river of the same name, which winds along the water path and is a delight for the more adventurous.

The journey to Arouca is unique, with breathtaking mountainous landscapes and direct contact with nature it will satisfy any visitor looking to escape the hustle, bustle and confusion of the cities or those who simply want to breathe some fresh air while taking their senses on a journey through a unique natural setting. And all this with the possibility of capturing pictures of the splendid scenery from the 516 Arouca deck, as it is situated 176 metres above the Paiva.

The city centre of Arouca

But it is not only the 516 bridge that makes Arouca. The municipality of the Aveiro district, which belongs to the Porto region, is full of surprises for visitors, who usually head first to the city centre and then to the Geopark, which is about 14 kilometres away. At the end of the visit, most adventurers return to the centre where there are many places to visit. Starting with the Brandão de Vasconcelos square, where the main bakeries, cafes and restaurants of the city can be found. The area is known for its confectionery. After all, the nearby monastery of Arouca was the birthplace of many typical confectionery products, made by the nuns who were dedicated to this art. Chestnuts, nuns' bellies, S. Bernardo's bread and almond rusks and cigars are just a few examples of the best that Arouca has to offer in terms of sweets. This, of course, is without forgetting the jewel in the crown: the Arouca sponge cake, made since the 19th century. The desserts are so good there that I almost forgot to mention the food. Visitors can't pass through Arouca without trying (as long as you're not vegetarian or vegan): the meat of the Arouca cattle breed. This region is an expert in meat preparation, they prepare their meat in a unique and special way, the most famous preparations being the oven roasted veal or the Alvarenga steaks. The "posta arouquesa" is also another classic of this town, and there are plenty of places in the centre of Arouca to enjoy these dishes: from the Café Arouquense, in front of the town's central square, to the Restaurant "Parlamento", one of the most famous in Arouca.

The monastery of Arouca

Despite this, there is more to do in this city than eating. After visiting the Paiva promenades and, of course, the Arouca Bridge (516), one can return to the city centre, where it is interesting to visit the Arouca Monastery, built - at least the current structure - between the 17th and 18th centuries and classified as a national monument in 1910. Nevertheless, existing records indicate that as early as the 10th century, a small monastery existed on this site under the invocation of São Bento de Núrsia. These same historical documents also show that the monastery was inhabited by a religious community since the year 1154, and the consequent references to the religious importance of this place, which suffered a great fire in 1725, forcing its reconstruction.

The city of Arouca

Arouca's 516 Bridge is the city's most visible and newest site, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to this municipality to marvel at this engineering jewel. The Geopark and the specialities of the city centre offer a colourful experience, with unique tastes, smells and sensations, all with a touch of history and religion.

Practical information

Opening hours of the 516 Arouca Bridge

From April to October the bridge is open from 9am to 7pm, from May to September it is open from 8am to 8pm and November to March it is only open from 9am to 5pm.