In 2006, the Bizkaia Bridge was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Bridge enhances the spectacular grandeur of the estuary, constitutes an exceptional expression of technical creativity, and exemplifies the successful relationship between function and form. It is one of the most outstanding constructions of the European Industrial Revolution. It represents one of the greatest engineering achievements of the late 19th century.
It was the world's first suspension-transport bridge and one of the few still in operation. Designed in 1887 by Alberto de Palacio, the structure was inaugurated on July 28, 1893. It perfectly encapsulates the union of architecture and functionality; beauty and utility; grandeur and everyday life.
The Vizcaya Bridge, popularly known as the Suspension Bridge and the Portugalete Bridge , solved the communication problem between the two banks of the Nervión River, without interrupting the riverbed or navigation. Its four 62-meter-high metal lattice towers support a 160-meter-long deck.
The original was destroyed after a bombing during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1941.
The gondola, a mobile platform suspended over the estuary, moves horizontally between the two banks, transporting people and vehicles, 24 hours a day.
You can walk across the Suspension Bridge over the pedestrian walkway. It's about 60 meters high! From the top, you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views.
The bridge is, above all, a symbol. It is the culmination of a long cultural tradition linked to the production and use of Biscayan iron, the main driving force behind the development of the Basque economy. The Suspension Bridge is an engineering marvel of its time. And it is an exceptional witness to the history of the estuary, its towns, and its people.
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Accessibility:
The Bizkaia Bridge gondola is accessible to all, but the upper walkway is not. The wide gates (for wheelchairs and strollers) are located on the inner side, farthest from the sea.
Both sides of the bridge have an elevator (with a narrow entrance), and the access points are similar. Occasionally, depending on the crowd, only the elevator on the Getxo side is available. To reach the elevators, you first have to climb a flight of stairs (16 + 1) to a platform, and then take a 60-centimeter-wide walkway and other stairs (3 + 6 + 6) to reach the elevator. The stairs have handrails, as shown in the photos.
Once at the top, you step out onto a flat platform separated from the walkway by a 20-25 cm step. The floor of the walkway is made of hollow wooden beams.
The central section of the walkway features iron supports, and it is divided into three sections with two wider viewing areas. Throughout the walkway are various explanatory panels, with some alternating on both sides including information in Braille.
There is no bench or low wall to rest on.
At ground level, visually impaired people who wish to learn more about the bridge's structure have a tactile model available in the shop at the Portugalete entrance to the bridge. Just ask the shop staff, who will be happy to show it to you.
