In suspension bridges, the platform that supports the load appears suspended and supported by large cables tied to towers. Its construction dates back to 1800 and, since then, some have stood out for their design and others for their length, but there are also those that impress by the landscape in which they are found. Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is the Golden Gate in San Francisco, but you don’t have to go that far to enjoy its majesty. In Spain we have them of different types and adventures.
Soutomaior Suspension Bridge (Pontevedra)
Six meters above the waters of the Verdugo River, at the junction with the Oitavén River, and a few kilometers from the mouth of the river in Arcade, is the Soutomaior suspension bridge. It is an area suitable for bathing, known as Poza das Bestas, where you can see old mills and which is also close to a river beach. The bridge is visible from the beach and is safe for the whole familymuch traveled by local fishermen.
Suspension bridge of La Hermida (Cantabria)
At 100 meters long and located between large stone walls at the eastern end of the Picos de Europa, in the La Hermida gorge, is one of the longest suspension bridges in Spain. Of course, it is only suitable for adventurers, because to get to it you have to do the via ferrata. Although the itinerary is made to test people not used to climbing or hiking, throughout the route protected by helmet and hooked to a steel cable by means of a harness.
Biscay Bridge
Known as Puente de Vizcaya or Puente de Portugalete, it was inaugurated on July 28, 1893 and was the first transporter bridge built in the world with a metallic structure. A work of cutting-edge engineering in its time, by the same architect as the Palacio de Cristal (Alberto Palacio Elissague) in El Retiro. Its practical function is to join Getxo and Portugalete on the two banks of the mouth of the Nervión. is declared UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.
Caminito del Rey (Malaga)
The Caminito del Rey, in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, is one of the most popular routes in Spain. It gets its name from when Alfonso XIII crossed it in 1921 for the inauguration of the Guadalhorce dam. The trail is made up of several footbridges and suspension bridges, built over the river.
The Saltillo (Malaga)
Located in the gorge that joins Sedella and Canillas de Aceituno, is El Saltillo, The third largest hanging bridge in Spain in natural spaces (next to Los Cahorros and Congost de Mont-rebei). It extends 50 meters in length, is located about 62 meters above the Almanchares riverbed and is 1.20 meters wide. It is also very modern, because it was inaugurated at the end of 2020. Although, to get to the bridge you have to walk the path to the top of La Maroma, with some narrow paths and no safety rails. It offers a unique perspective on the Almanchares River.
Rupit i Pruit suspension bridge (Barcelona)
Built in 1945 to join Rupit and Pruit, it is heavily traveled by residents on a daily basis. Located in a bend in the Pruit River, it is easily swayed and, due to its instability, cannot be crossed by more than 10 people at a time. In winter it offers unbeatable views because the river is frozen.
Amposta suspension bridge (Tarragona)
The bridge crosses the Ebro river in the city of Amposta. Construction began in 1915, and it was completed in 1921. Inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. In fact, it was the second in the world built with the reinforced concrete system. It is characterized by two 24 m high stone pilasters in the shape of a triumphal arch that stand on both sides of the river.
Hanging bridges of Chulilla (Valencia)
On the Pantaneros Route (also known as the Calderones Route) are the two suspension bridges of Chulilla. They were originally created for swamp operators. The taller of the two has 15 meters high and 21 long. The second one only stands 5 high above the ground.
Congost of Mont-Rebei (Lleida)
The Montfalcó bridge was built to join the two banks of the Mont-rebei gorge and join the Montfalcó Nature Trail with the popular path that runs through the canyon along its Catalan side. The four kilometer long path that joins Aragón and Catalonia passing over the Canelles reservoir has received thousands of walkers attracted, among other reasons, by the exciting hanging walkway climbing a wall over 30 meters high.
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