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

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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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Copy of 2021-04-29T114739Z_1271864525_RC2N5N9QRJHG_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874627225 — 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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Copy of 012806-01-02-1619874590617 — 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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Copy of 2021-04-29T172327Z_902195828_RC2O5N98XZ9X_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874624142 — 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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Copy of 2021-04-29T115209Z_703209980_RC2N5N9QQXUG_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874633391 — "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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Copy of 2021-04-29T105318Z_322669473_RC2M5N9S5WNH_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874617259 — "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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Copy of 2021-04-29T113742Z_264144192_RC2N5N97229K_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874620290 — The landscape is calm, but the crossing is not for the faint-hearted. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Copy of 2021-04-29T122437Z_1009736044_RC2O5N9SFRZ8_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874586906 — 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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Copy of 2021-04-29T115408Z_152042337_RC2N5N91OTOI_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874630185 — 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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Copy of 012800-01-02-1619874636470 — The bridge opened only to local residents on Thursday, but from Monday everyone can book a visit. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 2021-04-29T124229Z_890695450_RC2O5N9B9BLY_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874605502 — 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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Copy of 2021-04-29T112248Z_1394503647_RC2N5N9AC1AT_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874609219 — "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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Copy of 2021-04-29T111609Z_2037289556_RC2N5N9IA67M_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874613237 — 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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Copy of 012820-01-02-1619874581843 — "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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Copy of 012809-01-02-1619874594050 — A general view shows the 516 Arouca Bridge. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 013015-01-02-1619874597908 — People cross for the first time the 516 Arouca Bridge. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 2021-04-29T123415Z_98797876_RC2O5N9KOK9O_RTRMADP_3_PORTUGAL-BRIDGE-1619874601389 — People walk on the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge '516 Arouca'. Image Credit: REUTERS

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