In January, when expressing his ambition, the former roadsman residing at the Santa Casa de Arouca home hadn’t yet suffered the fall that affected his speech. Staff at the institution in the Aveiro district recall he was clear: he said he no longer wanted a birthday celebration as grand as his 103rd and requested a festive lunch with only the provider, the senior journalist from the local radio, and the mayor.
At some point, the latter asked him about his remaining unfulfilled dream. Known for listening to RTP1 news at high volume and always ready to discuss national and international political affairs, he quickly identified his desire to visit the famous pedestrian bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges, which has received much media attention since its 2021 inauguration.
On Friday, nine months after blowing out his candles, Manuel realized his wish: wearing gray slippers and a brown checkered cap, he arrived at the Alvarenga portal in a wheelchair. With assistance, he was wheeled onto the bridge and halfway across, switched to a walker, confidently covering about 100 meters of the path on his own.
During this journey, he posed frequently for photos, smiling broadly and proudly, with his hands attempting an “ok” gesture—though not fully forming due to his age.
“He has always loved challenges and the spotlight,” comments Angela Rocha, one of his assistants at the home.
Having completed one direction of the crossing, Manuel slowly admitted two things: “I’m surprised because I didn’t expect to come,” referring to the nine months since his birthday. “I thought the bridge was smaller,” expecting “about 100 meters” and nothing more.
With his perception corrected, Manuel asked questions to the coordinator of the Paiva Walkways, who assisted his wheelchair on the way back. “How many meters is this?” The 516 meters that name the bridge. “What supports it in the middle?” Nothing, as it’s suspended by cables from the ends. “Who built it?” Some specialist engineers. “Where are they from?” They’re Portuguese.
Ana Isabel Brito, the staff member Manuel trusts most, noticed him getting tired but assured that he would “repeat everything they told him” to anyone who would listen at the home—especially since, with so many accompanying him, including photographers, he regarded the outing as “an homage” and was careful to express his gratitude. “He’s always very polite with everyone. He only complains when he has to pay property taxes” for his homes in Moldes and Macieira de Sarnes, Angela notes.
Manuel felt no fear, even using a walker over the open grid deck with a direct view of the Paiva gorge and rocks far below. “I felt admiration. I didn’t expect it to be such a big bridge,” he explains.
Hugo Rocha, one of the bridge’s guides, notes that Manuel might be its oldest visitor, a notable achievement since many others buy tickets and back out at the start.
“Most people come prepared for the experience; some hurry across, some cling to the rails for security. However, many intend to overcome fear and, upon seeing the cliffs, decide not to proceed, waiting alone while friends cross,” he recalls.
Still in control of his surroundings as he controls his bank cards, Manuel hears he can descend to the valley’s bottom and asks, “Is there a direct path to the river below?” He’s told there’s a footpath to the valley to reach the water. Though not an invitation, he, now usually taking his nap, quickly states, “Better not. I’d rather go straight home.”
The 516 Arouca Bridge is part of the Paiva Walkways, integrated into the Arouca Geopark, inaugurated in 2015, stretching 8.7 kilometers along a once untouched riverbank. In its first decade, marked this June, the structure welcomed over 1.8 million visitors, 10% of whom were foreigners.
