Inauguration of the world's largest pedestrian suspension bridge promises to rescue tourism in one of Portugal's most historic regions, reveals neuroscientist with postgraduate degrees in anthropology Fabiano de Abreu.
Tucked between rocky mountains and covered in lush foliage and yellow leaves, opened last Thursday (29) a bridge that promises to receive tourists from all parts of Portugal, from all over Europe and also from Brazilians. The “516 Arouca”, longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, is a transparent metal grid walkway of 516 meters length model. It is located in the Arouca Geopark, to 175 meters above the Paiva River.
The most interesting thing is that even as hidden, the bridge promises to become the target of visitors and the curious. After all, your crossing is not as easy as it seems. Supported by steel cables and two massive towers on each side, it rocks a little with each step.
From Monday, anyone can schedule an on-site visit. The bridge cost US$ 2,8 million (more than R $ 15 million) and it took about two years to build. The residents of Arouca hope that the structure helps to recover tourism in the region, that was severely hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Property owner in the region, o PhD, neuroscientist with a postgraduate degree in anthropology and a recent degree in history Fabiano de Abreu reveals the great attractions of that place: “Not only the bridge, the area receives thousands of tourists a day because of the Paiva Walkways, a path by the river Paiva, wooden, with a unique look. It is a beautiful and unique area in the world the green wine valley. There is also the Romanesque Route that passes through here, where you can see buildings from the Roman period.”
About your house near the bridge, Abreu highlights the differentials of the property for those who want a different life experience: “I thought of something sustainable and for true mental hygiene. There is no Internet and no television. A real therapy. Wine is ours, from the backyard, there is no chemistry and it is completely handmade. The house is a new construction, vintage, but the walls are ruins of a house from the year 1200. There is a lot of history and a small village of just 3 families”
The Arouca region is located in the north of Portugal, in the Porto Metropolitan Area, near the district of Aveiro. The population in the region is only around 5.200 inhabitants. In addition, the Paiva River was already considered the least polluted in Europe for some years.