The April 25th Bridge is essential in the communication of the two banks, connecting the cities of Lisbon and Almada.
A bridge with multiple records
Sometimes named as the “Portuguese Golden Gate Bridge” because of its similarities with the suspension bridge of San Francisco (USA). In fact, after more than 50 years of ideas and projects, the construction of this bridge was attributed to the same North American company. Originally known as Ponte Salazar, this engineering work would go down in the city’s history for several reasons. Having cost less than anticipated and being executed in record time were two of them.
And with lots of stories to tell
It was originally known as Ponte Salazar in honor of the President of the Council of Ministers of the time. However, soon after the revolution of April 1974, its name was changed to April 25th Bridge.
The impressiveness of this bridge with a total length of about 2,280 m, is clearly expressed by two facts. On its inauguration day – August 6th, 1966 – it was the fifth largest suspension bridge in the world and the largest one outside the United States. After fifty years it remains in the group of the 20 largest suspension bridges in the world.
Although it was built exclusively for cars, in 1999 it was also opened up to rail traffic.
Pedestrian crossing is not allowed, the April 25th Bridge fills up every year with thousands of sportspeople from all over the world. The Lisbon half marathon, which takes place in March, is already a landmark in the city’s sport. This was also a unique opportunity to step on the bridge deck.
When you pass under this grand structure, you can hear the sound of cars and trains moving. At 70 meters above the river level, the partly metal deck creates a hum that can be heard hundreds of meters away. It is absolutely impressive.
On September 27th, 2017, the Pillar 7 Experience was inaugurated. Without a doubt the second best view over Lisbon. Come and discover the first with us!
