The world’s shortest international bridge connects Spain and Portugal

The tiny El Marco bridge is not just a border crossing, it’s also a time travel experience

A small yet fascinating wooden footbridge, known as El Marco, connects Spain and Portugal in a way no other bridge in the world can. At just under six metres long, this diminutive crossing holds the title of the shortest international bridge on the planet. Linking the Spanish village of El Marco with the Portuguese town of Varzea Grande, the bridge may appear unassuming, but it’s an important symbol of cross-border unity and a popular attraction for tourists.

Despite its modest size, the Marco Bridge has captured the attention of locals and visitors alike. Measuring only 6 metres in length and 1.45 metres in width, the bridge is just wide enough to allow pedestrians and small two-wheeled vehicles, like bicycles, scooters and motorcycles, to pass. What makes this small crossing even more intriguing is that it not only marks a physical border between two countries, but also a shift in time zones.

When you cross El Marco, you’re stepping from Spain’s Central European Time (CET/CEST) zone into Portugal’s Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/BST) zone. It’s a unique experience that feels like a simple form of time travel – something few other places can offer.

The bridge was constructed in 2008, with funding from the European Union. Its purpose was to improve accessibility between the two towns, replacing an older, less stable structure with a safer and more modern design. The Marco Bridge has not only facilitated the movement of locals across the border but has also become a point of interest for those visiting the region. The tiny span between Spain and Portugal has become a notable tourist attraction, with visitors keen to experience a bridge that’s both functional and historic.

The bridge was built with the cooperation of workers from both countries, and its opening symbolised the strengthening of ties between Spain and Portugal. Today, El Marco serves as a testament to the benefits of European cross-border collaboration. Its compact size hasn’t limited its impact, as it’s managed to surpass the previous world record for the shortest international bridge held by a 9.75-metre bridge between islands in the Thousand Islands archipelago of Canada and the USA.

Though only a small crossing over a stream, the Marco Bridge holds significant value beyond its size. It’s not just a physical link between two places, but a representation of unity between two nations. Whether for practical use by locals or as an exciting landmark for tourists, El Marco continues to draw attention, proving that sometimes the smallest constructions can leave the biggest impact.

Image: CorreiaPM - Wikimedia Commons

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