Pilar 7 Bridge Experience

If you want to admire the April 25 Bridge from a special vantage point then we recommend a visit to the Pilar 7 Bridge Experience, which is the seventh pylon of Lisbon’s famous bridge. From here you can see the Bridge from a very unique perspective and learn about the entire history of this impressive construction.

The April 25 Bridge (in Portuguese Ponte 25 de Abril) was built to cross the Tagus River and connect the city of Lisbon to the city of Almada. The work was built by the American Bridge Company, which is the same company that also built the Golden Bridge in San Francisco from which the April 25 Bridge is loosely inspired.

Originally this was called the “Salazar Bridge” since it was commissioned by the dictator Salazar in 1960, but it changed its name after the revolution for the restoration of democracy that took place precisely on April 25, 1974. Currently, the bridge stretches approximately 2 kilometers and has a railway line in the lower part (built in 1999) and a three-lane highway in each direction in the upper part.

What to see at the Pilar 7 Bridge Experience

Pilar 7 Bridge Experience allows all visitors to have a unique experience discovering the April 25 Bridge, which is considered one of the most fascinating not only in Europe but also in the rest of the world. The tour inside the seventh pylon of the bridge allows visitors to discover the history of this work, from the idea to its realization, but also to admire its architectural complexity.

At the beginning of the tour is a model reproducing the bridge, allowing visitors to marvel at its grandeur. Next, the tour route leads to an elevator that takes you up to the second floor from where you can get a closer look at the Bridge’s tie-rods and pillars. The tour continues until first reaching street level and then a beautiful viewing terrace. The terrace is made of glass, is suspended at a height of about 80 meters, and provides a breathtaking view of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

For those who want to, thanks to Virtual Reality technology, it is possible to take a virtual tour of the bridge that allows you to discover parts that are not accessible to visit.

At present, the lift is undergoing maintenance and the ascent to the 26th floor is only permitted via the stairs.

Tickets for the Pilar 7 Bridge Experience

It is possible to purchase the Pilar 7 Bridge Experience entrance ticket directly online before leaving, you will secure your entrance and avoid queues at the ticket office.

Free admission with the Lisboa Card

Also, if you plan to purchase the Lisboa Card, be aware that the Pilar 7 entrance is included with the card.

Opening Hours

Pilar 7 in Lisbon is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m. The site is closed on Christmas Day.

How to reach Pilar 7 Bridge Experience

Pilar 7 can be reached to conveniently by public transportation.

By train, simply take the line going to Cascais from Cais do Sodré and get off at the Alcantara-Mar stop, which is about 500 meters from the attraction.

Alternatively, you can take buses (lines 714, 727, 732 and 751) and get off at the Rua da Junqueira, Alcântara or Cais do Sodré stops.