Ponte 25 de Abril is Lisbon’s red suspension bridge across the Tagus, linking the city with Almada on the south bank. Opened in 1966, it is named for the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974; before that, it bore the name of António Salazar. The bridge’s scale and steel structure are especially striking from the riverside, with views across the water to Cristo Rei. See it from the Belém waterfront, MAAT or a boat, and look up from below to catch cars and trains crossing its decks.
A bridge across the Tagus
Ponte 25 de Abril links Lisbon with the municipality of Almada on the river’s south bank. The suspension bridge opened in 1966. Its red steel frame is visible from many points along Lisbon’s waterfront, and its scale is easiest to take in from the riverbank or from the water.
The bridge carries road traffic on its upper deck and trains on a lower level. Rail traffic was added in 1999. From a spot beneath the structure, you can watch both cars and trains pass overhead and hear the traffic above the river.
The name and its history
The bridge was first named Ponte Salazar, after António Salazar. It was renamed Ponte 25 de Abril after the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974, the movement that ended decades of dictatorship in Portugal.
Its current name commemorates that date. The bridge had already been open for several years when the name changed, so its engineering history and its place in Portugal’s political history are both part of the story.
Where to see it
Ribeira das Naus gives you a riverside view of the bridge, with Cristo Rei visible across the Tagus. Benches along the route make it possible to pause by the water. The path has little shade, so bring water if you visit in warm weather.
Belém and MAAT are other places to view the bridge from the Lisbon side. For a different perspective, take a boat tour and look back at the bridge from the river. These viewpoints help show how the structure spans the water and connects the two banks.
Seeing the structure up close
The bridge is a working transport link, not a pedestrian attraction. There are no designated paths for visitors to cross on foot, so plan to see it from the waterfront, a viewpoint or a boat instead.
At street level, look beneath the bridge to appreciate its height and steelwork, then watch the traffic move across it. After dark, the illuminated structure makes a distinct sight over the river.
FAQ
Can you walk across Ponte 25 de Abril?
No. The bridge has no designated pedestrian path, so view it from the waterfront, a nearby viewpoint or a boat.
What does the name Ponte 25 de Abril mean?
It refers to 25 April 1974, the date of the Carnation Revolution. The bridge was originally named Ponte Salazar.
When did the bridge open?
Ponte 25 de Abril opened in 1966. Train traffic was added to its lower level in 1999.
Where can you see Ponte 25 de Abril from Lisbon?
Ribeira das Naus, Belém and MAAT are among the suggested viewpoints. A boat tour gives you a view from the Tagus.
