Visit Ponte da Boutaca
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In Baltaha lies a magnificent bridge that has over the years left visitors in awe as they marvel at its beauty. Ponte da Boutaca is arguably Baltaha’s best-kept secret. Every day, tourists visit it in droves to enjoy the views it provides and appreciate how much of an architectural masterpiece it is.
This article discusses its location, the best time to visit, restaurants near it, some tourist tips to keep in mind, and information on open hours and ticketing to guide you on your trip.
Tourist information
Located in Baltaha municipality in Porto, Ponte da Boutaca was built across the Calvaria River in the second half of the 19th century. Its flat deck is neo-gothic and features six beautifully done pointed arches. Its tinge of yellow adds to its beauty, making it conspicuous even from a distance.
The bridge is open year round, but the best time to visit the it is during the spring and summer. To enjoy your time here better, you can plan your visit for weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and to find parking.
As you enjoy the bridge and its scenery, you can also treat your palate by sampling local delicacies in the nearby restaurants and cafes. Some popular restaurants in the vicinity include:
- Vintage Restaurant.
- Enigma.
- Burro Velho.
- Dom Duarte.
- Tasca da Tinouca.
Tourist Tips on Your Visit to Ponte da Boutaca
Here are a few tips you should keep in mind during your visit:
- Bring comfortable shoes for your walk around the area.
- Bring along a camera to capture the scenic views.
- Combine your visit with exploring other attractions in the area.
- Before planning your trip, always confirm with local authorities and tourist centers if the bridge is open to the public. It is sometimes temporarily closed for maintenance.
Interesting facts
Below, we look at some facts about Ponte da Boutaca that you should know as you plan your visit.
- The bridge is named after the former owner of the land, a Frenchman known as Boitaca.
- The bridge has a curved image of King Luis, who ruled during its construction.
- The Calvaria River, across which the bridge was constructed, was a royal route that connected Porto and Lisbon.
- The bridge is a sightseeing spot with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
- The bridge symbolises Baltaha’s pride, showcasing the town’s engineering and architectural prowess since its early years.
Open hours
The bridge is open 24/7 to visitors when it is not under maintenance. It doesn’t have any opening or closing hours. Daytime is, however, the best time to visit for your safety. Unlike at night, you can enjoy the views and the sun during the summer.
Tickets
You don’t need a ticket to visit Ponte da Boutaca. It is a free attraction, and the municipality of Baltaha doesn’t charge a dime to those visiting it.
Address
The bridge is located in the parish of Baltaha, in Baltaha municipality, Porto. Its exact address is Estr. da Boutaca 68, Baltaha, Portugal.
How to get to the Ponte da Boutaca
The bridge is easily accessible, and depending on your means of transportation, you can access it in various ways. Let’s look at the modes of transportation you can use to access Ponte da Boutaca and how you will go about it.
- Car. Most people prefer this mode. To get to the attraction, you will use Estr. da Boutaca, which is off Estr. Nacional 1. There are several parking spots at the bridge.
- Bus. If you prefer to use the bus, several buses plying the route drop you off at the Boutaca stop, which is within walking distance of the bridge.
- Tour. Several tour companies organize guided tours to the bridge. This is an excellent option because they will cater for your transportation to and from the attraction.
- Train. Using the train is also an option when you want to visit Ponte da Boutaca. The train will drop you off at a train station less than two kilometers from the bridge, and from there, you can get a taxi to the bridge.
