Everyone knows the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but did you know that Gustave Eiffel also left his mark in Porto, Portugal? The Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, completed in 1877, was designed by Eiffel to span the Douro River, connecting Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia.
This iron railway bridge was an engineering marvel at the time, showcasing Eiffel’s innovative use of iron structures long before his famous Parisian tower. Though no longer in operation, its elegant arches and intricate ironwork continue to stand as a tribute to 19th-century engineering.
For those visiting Porto, the bridge is a hidden gem, symbolizing both the city’s industrial past and Eiffel’s lasting legacy beyond France.
Don’t miss the chance to glimpse this lesser-known masterpiece!