This project cost $2.8 million and took 2 years to build. Source: Carlos Costa/AFP The bridge is located at a height of 175m, below is the fast flowing water of the Paiva river. The scenery here is extremely peaceful, but the journey across the bridge is not for the faint of heart. The bridge is supported by steel cables and two massive towers on each side, the railing has a metal mesh, but visitors still feel a little “wobble” when crossing the bridge. Although heights can be intimidating for many, the first guests to walk here said they were excited and enjoyed the experience. A local resident named Marcio Soares also shared, he feels proud of the bridge. The Arouca city government hopes the $2.8 million project and takes two years to build will help revive the economy here. Suspension bridge “516 Arouca”. Source: Reuters During the inauguration ceremony, Mayor Margarida Belem said it will be one of the main attractions in the area: “Although the construction of the bridge has been completed for some time, the inauguration is still very important because It allows us to resume tourism.” Mr. Emanuel – a local guide shared, this city is aging rapidly as many young people move to big cities: “This is a breath of fresh air for our land, helping to attract many heads of the city. More private, more tourists. It will give a new impetus to Arouca.”

Officially inaugurated on May 2, this bridge is really not for the faint of heart. This special structure is made up of metal grids, hanging precariously at a height of 175m overlooking the fast-flowing Paiva River. Nestled among the rocky mountains covered with green trees and yellow flowers inside the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Arouca Geopark, the Arouca Bridge is 516m long. To cross this bridge, on average, each person takes about 10 minutes. The bridge is not intended for children under the age of six. Not until today’s inauguration ceremony, two days ago, people from the nearby town of Arouca were allowed to walk across this special suspension bridge. As the first person to have the courage to cross the longest suspension bridge in the world, Hugo Xavier shared: “I was a bit scared, but it was really worth it. Truly extraordinary, so unique.” Margarida Belem, the head of the Arouca region, said that the opening of the bridge after two years of construction would help the region resume tourism activities. “This bridge is a major attraction of this region,” said Margarida Belem. Meanwhile, Mr. Emanuel, a local tour guide, expects that: “The bridge is a breath of fresh air for our land because it will attract more investment, more people.” because the population in the region is aging rapidly as many young people move to big cities. “It will give a new impetus to Arouca,” said Emanuel. When fully operational from May 3, the 516m Arouca suspension bridge will break the 2017 record for the longest pedestrian suspension bridge recorded for the Charles Kuonen suspension bridge in Randa, in the mountains. Swiss Alps.