
The small wooden crossing in the municipality of Arronches, known as the Ponte Internacional do Marco, is only six meters long and 1.45 meters wide, and connects the municipality of La Codosera (Spain) with the parish of Esperança, in Portugal.
It is considered the smallest international bridge in the world, thanks, of course, to its size and structure, which only allows pedestrians or two-wheeled vehicles to cross.
It was built in 2008 and is located over the Abrilongo stream, which forms the border between Portugal and Spain, and crosses between the towns of El Marco in Spain and Várzea Grande on the Portuguese side.
Legend has it that products were smuggled back and forth across the Iberian borders via this bridge, and it was also here that various trades took place: on the Portuguese side , towels and coffee were sold , on the Spanish side, cutlery and wine.
The small crossing replaces an old makeshift link, built on planks, which was often washed away by floods , so the new structure is more resistant to the worst weather, and is intended exclusively for pedestrians and bicycles or motorcycles, due to its small size.
Although very simple, the world’s smallest international bridge has great historical and cultural symbolism.
It represents not only a physical link between the two countries, but also a very strong union between local communities that share deep traditions, histories and social relationships.
In addition, the International Bridge of Marco also stands out for being a tourist landmark and a geographical curiosity, proving to be a solid testimony to the historical relations between Portugal and Spain, which have always been marked by periods of rivalry , but also of much mutual collaboration.
The peculiar structure continues to attract visitors from both borders (and also from other geographical latitudes), interested in exploring this unique point on the Iberian border, and it is worth noting the absence of border controls since both countries have signed up to the Schengen Agreement, which facilitates free transit between the two nations, making the crossing quick and accessible for tourists and locals alike.