10 minutes over the abyss: Portugal's longest suspension bridge opened

The world's largest suspended pedestrian bridge has opened in the Portuguese municipality of Aroca, and its length is a record 516 meters. The bridge connects the Agieiras Waterfall and the Paiva Gorge, and it takes about 10 minutes to cross.

The length of the bridge, which is located in the Aroka Geopark, is 516 meters, it is laid over the Paiva River at an altitude of 176 meters.

From the bridge, which has become a real extreme attraction for visitors to the Aroka Geopark, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfall, the gorge and the fast river, which can be seen through the open grating under your feet. 

The suspension bridge was built in the Tibetan style: it is supported by steel cables and two huge V-shaped towers. The railing and decking are made of rigid open mesh, so visitors will see the gorge below them. 

The construction of the bridge, designed by a Portuguese studio, took two years and was completed in July 2020, but due to the pandemic, the opening was postponed for almost a year. The bridge cost 2.3 million euros.

It will open to all visitors on May 3, but some locals have already passed through it. They noted that they were a little scared when they stepped on the bridge, but called the experience extraordinary. 

The municipality of Aroka hopes to attract with its help lovers of nature, extreme sports and engineering. Local authorities also noted that the bridge is able to interest different people. The Aroka Geopark is known among fans of extreme sports.