Changing countries usually involves traveling hundreds of kilometers, going through airports, or crossing large border crossings. However, sometimes all you have to do is take a short walk.
For example, between Spain and Portugal, there is a place where just a few steps are enough to enter another country. This is the smallest international bridge in the world. Its small size contrasts with the symbolic importance it holds, as it connects two countries, two cultures, and even two different time zones.
The smallest international bridge in the world connects Spain with Portugal
We are talking about the El Marco bridge. It connects the hamlet of the same name, which belongs to the municipality of La Codosera, in Badajoz, with the Portuguese village of Várzea Grande, belonging to the town of Arronches. "It is located over the Abrilongo River," explained by the Badajoz Provincial Council.
Although today it is a geographical and touristic rarity, the bridge has had great significance for the inhabitants of the area. For decades, Spanish and Portuguese neighbors used it to move between both sides of the border quickly and easily. It also was part of the local trade routes that allowed the exchange of products between nearby communities.
The current structure was rebuilt in 2008 thanks to the collaboration between Spanish and Portuguese institutions and the funds from the European Union. The goal was to preserve a beloved historical element by the inhabitants on both sides of the border and enhance the tourist appeal of an area marked by the coexistence of two nations.
The El Marco bridge measures less than 4 meters, is made of wood, and can only be crossed on foot
The main characteristic of this unique bridge is its size. Built with wood, it measures just 3.20 meters in length and 1.20 meters in width. It rests on a simple structure that spans the narrow river channel.
Its dimensions make it impossible for vehicles to pass through, so it can only be crossed on foot or by bicycle. This limitation helps preserve its traditional character and maintain the tranquility of the rural environment in which it is located.
Turned into a symbol of the union between Spain and Portugal, El Marco demonstrates that international borders are not always marked by large infrastructures.