Between two districts of Portugal was recently reopened a bridge with almost a century of history that can be crossed on foot. The infrastructure built between 1926 and 1927 is now 99 years old and was the subject of a deep intervention that ended in late 2024, returning to the population and visitors one of the most singular structures in the region.
Dimensions and strategic location
The Lourido Wire Bridge, which crosses the Tâmega River and connects the municipalities of Celorico de Basto (Braga) and Amarante (Porto), is 55 meters long and 2.5 meters wide. It crosses the watercourse at a height of 50 meters, directly connecting the parishes of Arnoia (Celorico de Basto) and Rebordelo (Amarante). Its location, near the Tâmega Ecopista and the former Lourido Railway Station, now gives him a new tourist potential.
The rehabilitation works ripped into 2022 and extended for almost three years. The project represented an investment of about 324 thousand euros and was developed by the Association of Municipalities of Douro and Tâmega (AMDT), in conjunction with the municipal councils of Amarante and Celorico de Basto.
Social and economic importance in the twentieth century
With the advance of time, the infrastructure was losing its initial functionality. However, in the early twentieth century, the bridge played a relevant role in the lives of local populations, allowing the connection between rural communities and facilitating economic and social exchanges between the two banks of the river.
At the time of its construction, the use of materials such as wire and wood cables was considered innovative. The structure was conceived in order to serve the agricultural needs of neighboring villages, but also functioned as a pedestrian for the inhabitants’ daily lives.
Objective: Turning the bridge into a tourist icon
During the official inauguration of the rehabilitated bridge, in statements to the newspaper, José Peixoto Lima, mayor of Celorico de Basto, said: “Today, we want to become a tourist icon, a national reference, for the beauty of the landscapes, their unique characteristics, for the rural reality surrounding it”.
In addition to the recovery of the bridge, other interventions are planned to value the space. On the side of Celorico de Basto will be created a viewpoint with panoramic views over the river and the surrounding. In Amarante, a new dirt access will be built and a small parking park.
Facilitate access to visitors
The purpose of these interventions is to facilitate place access and provide a better experience to visitors. According to the responsible entities, the improvement of accesses on both margins will allow us to increase the influx of tourists, promoting the natural and historical heritage of the region.
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The wire bridge thus becomes an essentially utilitarian function for a more centered vocation in leisure and tourism. Its requalification is part of a broader strategy of valorization of the territory and preservation of collective memory.
Preserve the authenticity of the structure
The rehabilitation was made respecting the original characteristics of the structure, in order to maintain the authenticity of this equity element. The works also covered the replacement and reinforcement of damaged components, ensuring greater safety and stability.
The Lourido village, which names the bridge, also benefited from this intervention. The nearby railway station was also the target of requalification works, contributing to streamline this rural area with new visitors flows.
Historical memory as a development pillar
The appreciation of the bridge is part of a joint effort of municipalities to preserve significant historical elements for local identity. At almost 100 years old, this infrastructure now represents a symbol of union between past and present.
The expectation of municipalities and AMDT is that the new life of the bridge contributes to the sustainable development of the territory, associating tradition with economic and cultural dynamization. The connection between Amarante and Celorico de Basto, made by this centenary bridge, is now renewed and ready to welcome new stories.
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