Photos: World's longest pedestrian suspension bridge opens in Portugal

It hangs on heavy steel cables strung between concrete towers & runs 516m across a canyon

Published: May 01, 2021 17:27 Reuters and compiled by Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

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A general view of the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge '516 Arouca', now open for local residents in Arouca, Portugal. Image Credit: REUTERS

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It hangs on heavy steel cables strung between V-shaped concrete towers and runs 516 metres (1700 feet) across a canyon, at a height of 175 metres. Image Credit: AFP

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Hugo Xavier became one of the first people to cross the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge when it opened on Thursday near his tiny hometown of Arouca in northern Portugal. Image Credit: REUTERS

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"Oh...here we go!," the 42-year-old said anxiously as he gathered enough courage to step onto the see-through metal grid pathway of the 516-metre-long (1693-ft) bridge alongside his equally jittery partner and a tour guide. Image Credit: REUTERS

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"I was a little afraid, but it was so worth it," a relieved Xavier said already on the other side. "It was extraordinary, a unique experience, an adrenaline rush." Image Credit: REUTERS

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The landscape is calm, but the crossing is not for the faint-hearted. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Held up by steel cables and two massive towers on each side, it wobbles a little with every step. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Hidden between rock-strewn mountains covered with lush greenery and yellow flowers inside the UNESCO-recognised Arouca Geopark, the bridge hangs 175 meters above the fast-flowing River Paiva. Image Credit: REUTERS

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The bridge opened only to local residents on Thursday, but from Monday everyone can book a visit. Image Credit: AFP

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Locals hope the attraction, which cost about 2.3 million euros ($2.8 million) and took around two years to build, will help revive the region, especially after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Image Credit: REUTERS

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"It is a breath of fresh air for our land because it will attract more investment, more people," said tour guide Emanuel, adding that the region was rapidly ageing as many young people moved to big cities. "It will bring a new dynamic to Arouca." Image Credit: REUTERS

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Standing on the bridge, the mayor of Arouca, Margarida Belem, said the bridge was part of a wider strategy to encourage more people to move and stay in the region. Image Credit: REUTERS

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"There were many challenges that we had to overcome... but we did it," the visibly proud mayor told Reuters. "There's no other bridge like this one in the world." Image Credit: AFP

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A general view shows the 516 Arouca Bridge. Image Credit: AFP

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People cross for the first time the 516 Arouca Bridge. Image Credit: AFP

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People walk on the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge '516 Arouca'. Image Credit: REUTERS

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