Pedro e Inês Footbridge
Coimbra
The Pedro e Inês Footbridge is a pedestrian and cycling bridge spanning the Rio Mondego in Coimbra, Portugal. Opened in 2006-2007, it was designed by Portuguese civil engineer António Adão da Fonseca and architect Cecil Balmond from the Arup Group. The bridge is notable for its innovative engineering: it consists of two cantilevered walkways that join in the middle but are laterally displaced, creating the visual effect of a bridge that seemingly does not meet. This design was inspired by the motion of skipping stones and has been described as appearing impossible at first glance. The total length of the bridge is approximately 274.5 meters, with five unequal spans supported by metal arches, the largest spanning 110 meters. The deck is made of mixed steel and reinforced concrete with a wooden walkway four meters wide, widening to an eight-meter-wide plaza at the center. The balustrades are crafted from laminated glass panels colored yellow, blue, green, and pink, adding to the bridge's aesthetic appeal. Named after the tragic romantic story of Pedro, Crown Prince of Portugal, and Inês de Castro, the bridge has become an iconic symbol in Coimbra and a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.
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Tip: The best time to visit Pedro e Inês Footbridge is during daylight hours to fully appreciate its colorful glass balustrades and unique structural design. Visitors are encouraged to walk or cycle across the bridge to experience its optical illusion firsthand. No specific ticket is required as it is a public footbridge. During busy tourist seasons, visiting early in the morning or late afternoon can offer a more peaceful experience. There may be occasional maintenance closures, so checking local information before visiting is advisable.
Interesting facts
- •The bridge is locally known as the 'bridge that doesn't meet' due to its cantilevered halves that visually appear disconnected.
- •Its design was inspired by the motion of skipping stones across water.
- •The balustrade features laminated glass panels in four colors: yellow, blue, green, and pink, creating a vibrant visual effect.
- •The longest span of the bridge measures 110 meters, supported by metal arches.
- •It was the first footbridge built in Coimbra, enhancing pedestrian connectivity across the Rio Mondego.
History
The Pedro e Inês Footbridge was inaugurated in 2006 as part of the Programa Pólis urban renewal initiative in Coimbra.
It was designed by António Adão da Fonseca and Cecil Balmond, blending innovative engineering with artistic vision.
The bridge was constructed to provide a pedestrian and cycling crossing over the Rio Mondego, complementing the city's existing road bridges.
Its name commemorates the tragic love story of Pedro, Crown Prince of Portugal, and Inês de Castro, a historical tale deeply rooted in Portuguese culture.
Since its opening, the bridge has become a modern landmark of Coimbra, reflecting both contemporary design and local heritage.
Place Guide
Central Plaza2006
The midpoint of the bridge where the two cantilevered walkways meet, forming an eight-meter-wide square. This plaza offers panoramic views of the river and city and is a unique architectural feature of the bridge.
Colored Glass Balustrades2006
Laminated glass panels in yellow, blue, green, and pink line the sides of the bridge, providing safety and a distinctive colorful aesthetic that changes with light conditions.
Cantilevered Walkways2006
Two separate walkways extend from opposite banks and support each other structurally without a central support, creating an optical illusion of a discontinuous bridge.
