Along the northern path of the Way of Saint James, is the oldest transporter bridge in the world, the Puente Colgante Vizkaya. The term, coined almost immediately by the inhabitants of the place, literally means “Suspended Bridge”, although it is not in reality.
The bridge connects the cities of Portugalete and Las Arenas in the Spanish province of Biscay. It was built in 1893, designed by A. Palacio, a disciple of Gustave Eiffeil.
The bridge is 164 meters long and is still functioning. At its ends, there are two elevators, which allow tourists to walk along the platform and admire the splendid panorama of the Abra Bay of Bilbao. Really beautiful and suggestive. To access you must purchase the ticket. In fact, the bridge is part of the Bilbao Creditrands integrated circuit. Rates vary depending on the time:
- ORDINARY SERVICIO (from 05:00 to 22:00): € 0.40 per person.
- PROLONGADO SERVICIO (22:00 to 24:00): €0.65 per person.
- ESPECIAL SERVICIO (from 24:00 to 5:00): €1.65 per person.
Since 2006, the Puente Colgante Vizkaya has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
If you find yourself in this beautiful region, don’t forget a visit to Puente Colgante Vizkaya