On May 20, 1898, the Vasco da Gama Aquarium was founded; today, it is considered by the Portuguese Navy to be one of the oldest public aquariums in the world; 128 years later, on October 28, 2026, a new pedestrian bridge named in its honor will be inaugurated, allowing pedestrians to cross the Marginal and the railroad tracks to reach the Algés Waterfront.
Designed by Gonçalo Byrne, the long-awaited crossing removes the historic barrier that separated Cruz Quebrada and Dafundo from the Passeio Marítimo.
Regaining access to the Tagus
For decades, the railroad tracks and Marginal Avenue served as a physical barrier for those living in Cruz Quebrada, Dafundo, and Algés.
Anyone wishing to walk to the riverside area was forced to take long detours to the underpasses at the Algés or Cruz Quebrada CP train stations. This urban isolation has come to an end.
The new structure permanently resolves the long-standing mobility issue, ensuring a direct, pedestrian-friendly, and safe connection between Alameda Hermano Patrone and the Algés Waterfront Promenade. The municipality has already confirmed that, in a subsequent phase, the project also calls for extending the access all the way to Rua Mestre de Aviz.
A name chosen by the community
The new infrastructure is located at a strategic point, flanked by two landmark buildings along the Cascais line: the Convento de São José de Ribamar and the Vasco da Gama Aquarium.
It was precisely the proximity to the latter that inspired the name of the structure, but the decision was not made behind closed doors. The Municipality of Oeiras conducted a poll on social media, putting the decision in the hands of the citizens: “Vasco da Gama Aquarium Crossing” was the winning option.
The choice serves as a double tribute: in addition to linking the bridge to the local identity, it honors the historic work of the neighboring facility in promoting scientific understanding of aquatic life and raising awareness about the protection of marine ecosystems.
With the opening of this overpass, residents are once again able to fully enjoy the riverfront, eliminating the main obstacle to pedestrian traffic in one of the municipality’s most popular areas.
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