portugal unveils '516 arouca', the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world

situated within arouca, in the aveiro district of portugal, ‘516 arouca’ bridge is now the world’s longest pedestrian suspended bridge in the world. with a length of 516 m (1,693 ft) and a suspension of 175 m (574 ft), the impressive bridge has surpassed the former record-holder, 494 m (1,621 ft) charles kuonen bridge in the swiss alps. 

all images via ponte 516 arouca

stretching across the UNESCO-recognized arouca geopark, an area famous for its nature tourism and outdoor activities, ‘516 arouca’ opened on 29 april 2021 to residents of the municipality and on 2 may 2021 to the general public. the steel construction designed by studio itecons, connects the banks of the paiva river, a popular destination for kayaking and whitewater rafting. meanwhile, it is also located near the paiva walkways, a wooden pathway that winds through 8 kilometers (5 miles) of the natural landscape.

designed by portuguese studio itecons and constructed by a company called conduril, the bridge takes shape as a steel structure, supported by two V-shaped concrete towers. its floor and side railings are made of metal grids, offering unobstructed views of the verdant mountains and the rocky gorge. the bridge reportedly takes about 10 minutes to cross and according to its official website, it is ‘not for the faint of heart.’

project info:

name: 516 arouca 
designer: studio itecons
construction: conduril
location: arouca, aveiro district, portugal