What is the Vasco da Gama Bridge in Portugal and why is it significant?

The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. It was named after Vasco da Gama, a famous Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea. The bridge was built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his discovery in 1998.

The Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe, with a total length of 17.2 kilometers. It has six lanes and a height of 155 meters at its highest point, making it one of the tallest bridges in Europe. The bridge connects the northern and southern parts of Lisbon and provides a faster and more direct route to the airport, as well as reducing traffic congestion in the city.

The construction of the Vasco da Gama Bridge was a major engineering achievement, requiring the use of advanced technologies and techniques. The bridge was designed to withstand earthquakes and high winds, and its cables are made of high-strength steel. The construction of the bridge took three years to complete and cost approximately 1 billion euros.