The Arouca Geopark, some 30 kilometres southeast of Porto, was already famous for its gorgeous scenery and outdoor activities. From this month, it now also boasts a new, record-breaking attraction: the longest walking bridge with suspended deck in the world.
In Portugal, EU funds longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world
- 21 May 2021
Its construction was made possible thanks to EU Regional funds. It culminates at 175 metres above the Paiva River and it would take someone about 10 minutes to cross the 516 meters long at a leisurely pace.
The bridge is expected to boost the regions' tourism industry whilst increasing accessibility to sites of cultural and natural heritage. It will also more easily connect local communities across the Paiva River.
Through this project, the region will gain not only a better connection for the communities across the Paiva River, but also an asset that will make better use of its endogenous potential – natural and cultural heritage – increasing attractiveness, competitiveness, and employment opportunities across the region, and conserving social and human capital in low-density areas.
The project received EUR 800,000 (ERDF) of investments through the Operational Programme Norte 2020 within the scope of the Program for the Economic Valorisation of Endogenous Resources (PROVERE).