The Vasco da Gama Bridge, the second longest bridge in Europe after the Crimean Bridge, was opened for traffic on March 29, 1998. Its inauguration took place during the Expo 98: the World’s Fair that commemorated the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s discovery. He sought the sea route from Europe to India. Designed by a group of architects, over 3,000 workers were involved for a period of 18 months to complete the bridge from start to finish.
About The Vasco Da Gama Bridge
Extending across the Tagus River, Vasco da Gama Bridge is a suspension-style bridge. It has been built to alleviate the congestion in Lisbon and facilitate travel for visitors from various parts of Europe. The bridge spans a length of 12.3 km, a large portion of which is over the water. If you are interested in exploring the attractions of Lisbon, make sure to include Vasco da Gama Bridge and its nearby points of interest in your itinerary.
Designed by Armando Rito, the Vasco da Gama Bridge is presently one of the longest bridges in Europe. This cable-stayed bridge stretches across the Tagus River in Parque das Nações, Lisbon, Portugal. It is the second longest bridge in Europe, trailing only the Crimean Bridge, with a total length of 12.3 kilometers. The main purpose was to construct a bridge that would alleviate traffic between the northern and southern regions of the country.
The construction of this bridge took approximately 3 years to complete. Since its opening to traffic in 1998, it has become one of the most renowned tourist attractions. Named in honor of the explorer Vasco da Gama, tourists often choose to drive across this bridge to admire the picturesque scenery and its impressive architecture. The bridge accommodates six lanes of traffic, with an average daily volume of 52,000 vehicles.
6 Places To Visit Around Vasco da Gama Bridge
There are numerous attractions to visit near Vasco da Gama Bridge. You can explore Parque das Nacoes, one of Lisbon’s most modern districts, to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here are the 6 places:
1. Oceanario De Lisboa
A renowned destination in Lisbon, Portugal, the Oceanario de Lisboa is a kind of oceanarium. The exhibition site for Expo ’98 gained global recognition for its expansive space and picturesque location. In fact, it was the largest indoor aquarium in Europe. Oceanario de Lisboa still holds its distinction and is globally recognized for housing penguins, seagulls, and other avian species. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate exploring this place.
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2. Parque Das Nacoes
A redeveloped region on the Tagus River, Parque das Nacoes is a famous tourist spot whose opulent green forests seek the attention of travelers. It is frequented by those individuals desiring to explore the expansive Lisbon Oceanarium, green spaces, impressive modern buildings like the Camões Theatre, and more. Besides the attractions, stylish and contemporary waterfront restaurants in this area also entice families to visit and indulge in exquisite dining experiences.
3. Epic Surf School
If you or any of your acquaintances wish to acquire the skill of surfing, then there is no better option than paying a visit to the Epic Surf School. This surfing academy is a comprehensive destination for surfers who usually allocate their time after work in the city to share their expertise on the art of riding waves and offer complete assistance to travelers. Individuals not only learn to surf but also get ample opportunities to savor the local cuisine in its authentic flavors.
4. Vasco Da Gama Shopping Centre
Who doesn’t love shopping? If you are searching for a shopper’s paradise in Lisbon, consider visiting Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre. This renowned multi-level mall is adorned with a glass ceiling that showcases a multitude of national and international retailers and eateries. Additionally, the mall houses a cinema hall for visitors’ entertainment. The eateries ensure delightful and freshly prepared dishes with unforgettable taste. Furthermore, you can also purchase local souvenirs for your friends and colleagues.
5. Altice Arena
Altice Arena is a remarkable spot for tourists searching for attractions to explore near the Vasco da Gama Bridge. Situated in Lisbon, Portugal, Altice Arena is a versatile indoor stadium. Constructed in 1998 for Expo ’98, the stadium can accommodate 20,000 individuals. It is one of the largest indoor stadiums in the European Union and the biggest one in Portugal. You can organize your visit to the area with your family and friends as there is an abundant space to spend quality time in a tranquil and peaceful environment.
6. Lisbonne Ame And Secrets
To uncover the concealed allure of Lisbon, you should plan to visit Lisbonne Ame & Secrets. Away from the crowds, Lisbon is teeming with hidden gems and unexplored attractions. To capture the magnificence of Lisbon, some of its attractions present you with an extraordinary retreat from the commotion of the city and transport you to the center of the most scenic neighborhoods.
There are numerous places to visit around Vasco da Gama Bridge during your Portugal journey. So, you should meticulously plan your trip and thoroughly explore these spots. Plan your trip well in advance to discover the hidden allure of this bridge and the nearby attractions. You can reach this bridge via metro, cable car, or miniature trains. A visit to this place will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers.
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