Vasco da Gama Bridge

Vasco da Gama Bridge & Tower. The longest bridge in Europe inaugurated in 1998, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the discovery by Vasco da Gama of the sea route to India connects Lisbon with its southern suburbs on the other side of the River Tagus.

The best way to admire the 17km bridge is the 145 meters Vasco da Gama Tower which provides a panoramic bird’s eye view over the city. The tower is Lisbon’s tallest skyscraper. Inaugurated in 1998 on the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India, the whole structure reminds of a ship’s sail a clear reference to all the explorers who started their journey to the new world from this city.

The Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe. It measures over 10 miles (17 km) long and connects the northern and southern parts of Portugal. 3,300 workers were needed to build the bridge and it took 18 months to complete. The bridge was inaugurated for the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition, and is so long that on cloudy days, it is impossible to see the other side of the bridge!

Vasco da Gama Tower is Lisbon’s tallest skyscraper, at 145 metres, merits a visit and rewards you with one of the most special views in the city. Built on the riverfront in Parque das Nações, in profile the Torre Vasco da Gama looks like a swollen sail, evoking the countless ships that departed the Tagus to discover the world. Built as an observation tower, with panoramic elevators, Torre Vasco da Gama is now a panoramic and exquisite restaurant.