The world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge is set to open Monday in Portugal, providing tourists with unique views of a nearby waterfall, gorge, and river.
The 516 Arouca Bridge gets its name from its length (approximately 1,693 feet, or 516 meters) and is found 576 feet above the Paiva River.
According to CNN, it takes about 10 minutes to walk the entire length of the bridge, which is supported by steel cables and has a see-through metal grid walkway that allows visitors to fully appreciate their surroundings.
Arouca is located 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Last week, locals took their first stroll over the bridge. Many people were ecstatic, even though some agreed it was a little unnerving to be so high and exposed.
According to Guinness World Records, the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge is Japan's Kokonoe Yume Bridge, which opened in 2006 and spans 390 meters (1,280 feet). However, the 494-meter-high Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, which opened in the Swiss Alps in 2017, challenges that record (1,621 feet).
Local authorities and residents are hoping that the new bridge will bring a surge of tourists to the area once travel is widely permitted again.
"It is a breath of fresh air for our land because it will attract more investment, more people," a tour guide told Reuters.
On Saturday, the majority of Portugal will be moving into the final stage of COVID-19 lockdown, according to Portugal News.
The Arouca Bridge cost €2.3 million ($2.8 million). Children under the age of six are not permitted, and all visits will be accompanied by guides.
It will be open to the public on Monday. Access to the bridge costs between 10 and €12 ($12-14) and must be booked via a local website.
