Some bridges are known for their immense lengths, others for their breathtaking heights. However, a short wooden passageway situated in Southern Europe stands out for its unique feature. The El Marco Bridge, connecting Portugal and Spain, is considered the shortest international bridge in the world. Crossing it takes mere seconds. Moreover, as one crosses the border, not only do the countries change but so does the time.
The El Marco Bridge, nestled within the boundaries of the Arronches Municipality in Portugal, serves as a connector to the town of La Codosera in Spain. This wooden structure straddles the Abrilongo River. However, there seems to be a discrepancy in the sources when it comes to its length.
While the majority of sources cite a measurement of approximately 3.2 meters, local Portuguese authorities suggest that it nears 6 meters in length. It remains unclear which sections of the bridge have been included in these measurements.
As for its width, it stands roughly at 1.45 meters. It doesn't appear to accommodate vehicle traffic. Limited to pedestrian crossings and bicycle usage, this simple bridge carries an international status despite its modesty. There's no passport control conducted. The free passage is facilitated by both Spain and Portugal being members of the Schengen area.
One of the intriguing aspects that make the El Marco Bridge stand out is the time difference. Portugal operates on Western European Time, whereas Spain adheres to Central European Time. Consequently, those crossing the bridge must adjust their watches either an hour forward or an hour back.
This time shift over a short distance makes the bridge a fascinating attraction for tourists. Visitors keen on capturing the moment can easily distinguish which country they are in, thanks to the stone markers labeled with the letters 'P' and 'E'. The concept of stepping into a different country within seconds is frequently featured in social media shares.
In the past, there was no regular bridge over the Abrilongo River. The locals used to attempt to cross over to the other side with the aid of wooden planks. When the river's flow rate increased, the crossings would become dangerous, with the planks frequently being swept away by the waters. The region was also notorious for smuggling activities for many years.
Thanks to funds from the European Union, the bridge was reconstructed in the early 2000s. With the completion of the work in 2008, the passage was made more resilient. Reinforcement details were added to take precautions against flood risks.
Despite claims of shorter alternative routes, upon examination, the El Marco Bridge continues to maintain its title.