It is the first transporter bridge ever built in the world.
The bridge was designed by Alberto Palacio, who also worked on the Glass Palace in Madrid.
During the Spanish Civil War, the upper deck was destroyed in 1937 to hinder advancing troops and was later rebuilt.
The steel structure is made from iron puddling techniques common in late 19th-century industrial engineering.
The carriage for the transporter bridge can carry up to six vehicles and dozens of passengers simultaneously.
The bridge is a rare example of a structure that combines a static truss bridge with a dynamic ferry mechanism.
The construction was entirely privately funded by local investors to connect the two banks without obstructing maritime traffic.
The Bizkaia Bridge, or Puente de Vizcaya, is the world's oldest transporter bridge, operating continuously since its inauguration in 1893. Designed by Alberto Palacio, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, it utilizes a suspended gondola to transport passengers and vehicles across the Nervion River estuary. The structure stands 45 meters high and spans 160 meters between the towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas. In 2006, UNESCO designated the bridge a World Heritage Site, recognizing it as a landmark of the Industrial Revolution and iron architecture. A pedestrian walkway situated at the top of the bridge offers elevated views of the river mouth and the Bay of Biscay. The bridge uses a system of steel cables to support its deck and movable carriage. It remains fully functional as a public transport link for local commuters, integrated into the local transit network. The iron framework is held together by over 20,000 bolts and rivets.
From the riverfront promenades in Portugalete, looking upward toward the iron frame.
Walk across the high-level pedestrian footbridge for the best panoramic views of the estuary.
Travel on the lower suspended gondola to experience the bridge's primary function as an authentic piece of historical infrastructure.
Bring a windbreaker, as the elevated walkway is often exposed to strong coastal breezes.
Do not attempt to walk across the main carriage deck while it is moving; use the designated boarding areas.
Operates daily throughout the year, though high-level footbridge access may close during severe weather conditions.
