Puntos de Interés
Infrastructure
The International Bridge of the Águeda River
The International Bridge of the Águeda River is situated in an unparalleled landscape of the Arribes del Duero, near the confluence of the Duero and Águeda rivers and the Vega de Terrón river dock. The extensive rail network was designed to connect Spain and Portugal. Today, the site is a remarkable heritage asset that has been carefully preserved as a tourist attraction and as part of the Camino de Hierro greenway.
This distinctive bridge was designed to connect the two countries separated by the Águeda River canyon, previously only accessible via the Verín and Vega de Terrón roads. It also provides logistical support for the Vega Terrón Pier.
The International Bridge forms part of the railway project of the Duero line, which is regarded as one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century due to the challenging topography and technical complexities involved in its construction. The construction of the railway was overseen by the Portuguese engineers Augusto Luciano Simões de Carvalho, Alfredo Soares and José Vieira Padilha on behalf of the Caminhos de Ferro do Minho e Douro company.
The bridge's architectural style evokes the ironwork of the Eiffel school. The building is 200 metres long and 30 metres wide. The design features a lattice structure on high stone pillars that divide the infrastructure into five sections. One of the most notable features of the bridge is the display of the coats of arms of Spain and Portugal at either end. This serves to indicate the country to which each side of the bridge belongs. The project has been executed in a manner that is in keeping with the surrounding environment and landscape.
The inauguration of the railway on 8 December 1887 was a significant event that left a lasting impression on the region. A solemn ceremony was held, with trains departing from both countries and meeting at the International Bridge over the Águeda River. This symbolised the narrowing of the border and the growing integration of the two countries.
Almost a century later, in 1985, the railway line was discontinued due to its low economic profitability. The International Bridge forms part of a hiking tourism project called the Iron Road, which has capitalised on the unique engineering works.
In 2000 it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. To achieve this goal, the tunnels, iron bridges, rails and other elements that linked Portugal and Spain have been recovered. Consequently, hikers are permitted to traverse this 17 km heritage trail, which is inspired by the 19th century.