Luís I Bridge

D. Luís I Bridge...

The D. Luís I bridge, as it is popularly known, is the most iconic bridge in Porto, being located in the historical heart of the city - the Ribeira.

A piece of History...

It consists in a metal arch bridge, designed by Eng. Teófilo Seyrig (partner of Gustave Eiffel). The Teófilo Seyrig's draft was chosen after several other projects were rejected to not comtemplate the needs of a connection between Porto and Gaia*. 

Thus, its construction was begun in 1881; at 31st October of 1886 was opened the upper deck; and in 1888 was finally inaugurated with the opening of the lower deck and fully functioning.

"Legend says..." the king D. Luís I missed the bridge inauguration, and as a demonstration of dissatisfaction of the people from Porto, the bridge was named "Luís I Bridge" or "Luiz I", without Dom.

"Lgend says(two)..." despite the name of the bridge to be Luís I Bridge, this is popularly known as D. Luís bridge due to the great warmth to the people between Porto's habitants and the king Luís I.

Nowadays, the upper deck serves as a passageway to the Porto's subway on it's yellow line (D) that connect Porto to Gaia*. The lower deck serves as a road. Both trays allow for pedestrian crossing, which are essential!  The paths offer us privileged views of the city of Porto, the Douro river and their union. I have to confess that the view from Morro's garden (first subway stop at Gaia's side) is one of my favorites and I always take there all my friends who visit Porto through me.

 View from the top

 View from the down

Photos on my Instagram page
instagram.com/annevale