1877-1991 Maria Pia Bridge over Douro River between Porto and Gaia, Portugal

(Satellite)

Street View, Jun 2025

Bridges Now and Then posted
The Maria Pia Bridge in northern Portugal made its public debut on November 4, 1877. (Transportation History)

BridgeInfo
The 563m long bridge has a main span of 160m. The height is 60m.
"The Maria Pia bridge was the world's largest arch bridge until the Garabit Viaduct opened in 1884."
The technique of avoiding falsework in the river by using towers and cables was first used in the construction of this bridge.

asce
As expected by the date, this bridge was made with iron rather than steel.
Gustave Eiffel designed this bridge, and his chief assistant, Téophile Seyrig, designed the nearby, and similar, Luis I Bridge.

GustaveEiffel

TheFogWatch
The bridge was used until 1991 when it was replaced by the concrete bridge that we see in the background of this photo.