Porto Bridges – 6 or 7?

Everyone knows the most famous bridge in Porto – Ponte Luís I. But did you know there are also other bridges in Porto over the Douro river? Are there 6 or 7 bridges? If you would like to know the answer, read further 🙂

• Ponte da Arrábida – Ponte da Arrábida is the first Porto’s bridge right next to the ocean. It serves as a road bridge. It is possible to climb it with the professionals – reserve here. The best view on the bridge is from Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, where you can see both the bridge and the ocean in the background.

• Ponte Luís I – The second bridge from the ocean is the most famous Porto’s bridge Ponte Luís I. The iconic bridge was finished in 1886 and it replaced its predecessor Ponte Pênsil which was disassembled. Ponte Luís I was designed by Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. The upper level of the bridge is reserved for a metro and the lower level for cars. Pedestrians can walk along the bridge on both levels. The walk offers spectacular views, so make sure to walk especially along the upper deck.

• Ponte Infante Dom Henrique – The third bridge, Ponte Infante Dom Henrique, was completed in 2003 and carries vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The bridge was constructed as a replacement for the upper deck of the Luís I Bridge that was closed to vehicle traffic to allow for metro construction.

• Ponte de Dona Maria Pia – The fourth bridge, Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, resembles Ponte Luís I, but only has one deck. It was built in 1877 as a railway bridge and attributed to Gustave Eiffel. Nowadays, it is no longer used for rail transport and was replaced by a modern structure in 1991.

• Ponte de São João – The fifth bridge, Ponte de São João, is a railway bridge constructed to replace the functionality of Ponte de Dona Maria Pia.

• Ponte do Freixo – The sixth and the last Porto’s bridge above the Douro river is Ponte do Freixo. This road bridge was opened in 1995 as an alternative to Ponte Luís I and Ponte da Arrábida.

• Ponte da Ferreirinha – The seventh bridge should be completed in 2025 and it will be reserved exclusively for metro (new Ruby line that will connect the Casa da Música and Santo Ovídio stations), cyclists, and pedestrians. There was a public voting on its name and the winning name was announced in June – Ponte da Ferreirinha.