The Vizcaya Bridge, also known as the Suspension Bridge or the Portugalete Bridge, spans the two banks of the Nervión River estuary in Vizcaya and was the first metal cable-stayed bridge ever built in the world, and today there are only 8 bridges of this type in the entire world.
The cable-stayed bridge connects the towns of Getxo and Portugalete, both in Biscay, and has a 146 meters long y a height of 61 m, allowing ships to sail without encountering any obstacles.
This extraordinary iron structure was inaugurated in July 1893 and is consisting of 4 towers of this 61-meter-tall structure, The entire bridge is supported by 8 steel suspension cables. Vehicles and passengers are transported via a cable car that runs back and forth and operates all day long.
This gondola has a capacity of 6 vehicles and the ability to transport a total of 200 people, the trip from shore to shore takes a minute and a half. Since it began operating, it has transported more than 650 million people.
The unique Vizcaya Bridge was named UNESCO World Heritage Site at its 30th meeting on July 13, 2006, and is considered to be one of the most impressive achievements of the Industrial Revolution in Europe.
Two elevators have been added—one on each side of the bridge—so visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the structure.
