130 metres long, the Faial Old Bridge was for a long time the longest bridge on the island of Madeira. Nowadays, what remains of its imposing structure is an important historical landmark of the region.
Built in the early 20th century, this bridge was designed to link the two banks of the parish of Faial, separated by the Ribeira do Faial. It was inaugurated in 1904 and at the time became the longest on the island. It would later come to be known as the 'Bridge of the Seven Mouths' due to its seven arches.
However, 80 years after its opening, in 1984, this bridge was destroyed by a strong storm that hit the north coast of Madeira. The structure could not withstand the raging waters of the river, thus causing the collapse of four of its seven arches.
After this episode, the possibility of rebuilding the Faial Old Bridge was discarded. A few metres from the site, the Primeiro de Julho Bridge was then built and opened to the public in 1986. Nevertheless, the three remaining arches of the old bridge remain preserved as an important historical landmark of the municipality.
The Faial Old Bridge, for a long time the longest bridge on the island of Madeira, was destroyed by a storm in 1984. Today, three of its seven arches remain.
