The Vasco da Gama Bridge spans the Tagus River near Lisbon, Portugal. When it opened (and still today) it is one of the longest in Europe. With a total length of 17 km including 0.8 km for the main bridge, 12.3 km in viaducts, and 4.8 km in dedicated access roads, this magnificent structure is an immense cable-stayed bridge. It is named after Vasco da Gama – the famous maritime explorer, which in 1498 discovered the sea route to the Indies around the Cape of Good Hope.

The bridge’ purpose is to alleviate the congestion on Lisbon’s other bridge – 25 de Abril Bridge. It was designed by Armando Rito and up to 3,300 workers built the bridge. On March 31, 1998 the Vasco da Gama Bridge was officially open only18 months after construction – just in time for Expo 98 and the World’s Fair that celebrated the 500th anniversary of the discovery by Vasco da Gama of the sea route from Europe to India.