The Bizkaia bridge (Vizcaya bridge)

The Vizcaya bridge (Bizkaiko Zubia in Basque), also known as the Bizkaia bridge, suspension bridge, Portugalete bridge, or Portugalete suspension bridge, is a toll ferry bridge, conceived, designed and built by private initiative between 1887 and 1893, that joins the two banks of the Bilbao estuary in Vizcaya (Spain). It was inaugurated on July 28, 1893, being the first of its type in the world and one of the eight that are still preserved.

Bridge connections

The bridge connects the town of Portugalete with the Las Arenas neighborhood, which belongs to the municipality of Getxo (Guecho), as well as the two banks of the Bilbao estuary. Its construction was due to the need to unite the existing spas on both banks of the estuary, destined for the industrial bourgeoisie and tourists from the late nineteenth century.

Construction of the Bizkaia bridge

This monumental ferry-bridge crosses the Nervión River in the Ibaizábal estuary, west of Bilbao. Designed by the Biscayan architect Alberto de Palacio y Elissague, the bridge, 45 meters high and 160 meters long, was completed in 1893. For its realization, the traditional technique of metallic construction of the 19th century was used, as well as the innovative use of light steel cables of alternating torsion. It was the first bridge in the world that allowed, simultaneously, the passage of ships through the river and the transport of passengers and vehicles from one shore to another, thanks to a suspended platform. It served as a model for the construction of many similar bridges in Europe, Africa and the Americas, although very few of them still exist. Due to the innovative use of alternating torsion light steel cables, the Vizcaya Bridge is considered to be one of the most notable achievements of the Industrial Revolution in metal architecture.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Part of a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in 2006

Date: September 2020
Photographer: selfie
Additional information: wikipedia