Ponte Deputado Darcy Castello de Mendonça (Terceira Ponte) - Image 1
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Ponte Deputado Darcy Castello de Mendonça Terceira Ponte

4.7
·390 reviews·, Brazil

An iconic engineering marvel connecting Vitória and Vila Velha, offering breathtaking bay views and a symbol of Espírito Santo's progress.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
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Ponte Deputado Darcy Castello de Mendonça (Terceira Ponte) - Image 1

Ponte Deputado Darcy Castello de Mendonça Terceira Ponte

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic engineering marvel connecting Vitória and Vila Velha, offering breathtaking bay views and a symbol of Espírito Santo's progress.

4.7
(390 reviews)

"One of the greatest engineering works in Brazil, transforming mobility and tourism in Espírito Santo."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive or Bike Across

Experience the bridge by car or bicycle for stunning views. :car: :bike:

📸 Capture the Scenery

Bring your camera for incredible photos of the bay and cities. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Bay Views

Panoramic Bay Views

Along the bridge's span

Experience breathtaking vistas of Vitória Bay, the coastline, and the Convento da Penha. A true visual spectacle.

Architectural Marvel

Architectural Marvel

The entire structure

Admire the impressive engineering of one of Brazil's largest bridges, a testament to modern construction.

Sunrise and Sunset Spectacle

Sunrise and Sunset Spectacle

Bridge viewpoints

Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun rises or sets, casting a magical glow over the bay and cities.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

The Third Bridge offers stunning vistas, especially at sunrise and sunset. Consider visiting during these golden hours for breathtaking photos and a less crowded experience. Early mornings are also great for avoiding peak traffic.

Understanding the Bridge's Significance

Officially the Ponte Deputado Darcy Castello de Mendonça, this iconic structure is more than just a connection between Vitória and Vila Velha; it's a symbol of engineering prowess and a major landmark for Espírito Santo.

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Mornings
Why
Fewer cars, great light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Esta é a Terceira Ponte!
@bastidoresdaengenharia
13.9K likes • 434K views

🚗 Drive or Bike Across

Experience the bridge by car or bicycle for stunning views. :car: :bike:

📸 Capture the Scenery

Bring your camera for incredible photos of the bay and cities. :camerawithflash:

Essa ponte é destaque no Brasil, você vai se encantar com ela #ponte #espiritosanto #terceiraponte
@rotaglobaloficial
10.9K likes • 207.5K views
📍 3’ Ponte - Vila Velha - Vitória/ Espírito Santo - Brasil A Terceira Ponte, oficialmente Ponte Deputado Darcy Castello de Mendonça, liga as cidades de Vitória e Vila Velha, no Espírito Santo. Foi a maior obra já realizada no estado e uma das maiores do Brasil, tornando-se um dos cartões-postais das duas cidades e do estado. A Terceira Ponte é a quinta maior ponte, em extensão, do Brasil. Foi c...
experienciasdavidareal
92 likes • 2K views

🌃 Nighttime Illumination

The bridge lights up beautifully at night, offering a different, enchanting perspective. :city_light:

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Access

While primarily for vehicles, enjoy the views from designated pedestrian areas if available. :walking:

A principal via que liga as cidades de Vila Velha e Vitória, Ponte Deputado Darcy Castello de Mendonça, vulgo “Terceira Ponte”. Maior obra concluída no ES, com 3,3 km de extensão e uma vista de tirar o fôlego de quem por ela passa. Impossível não se encantar com toda imensidão azul, ou as luzes das cidades para quem trafega durante a noite. A grandiosa obra trás uma das vistas mais deslumbrant...
edsonballestrassi
13.9K likes • 238.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive or Bike Across

Experience the bridge by car or bicycle for stunning views. :car: :bike:

📸 Capture the Scenery

Bring your camera for incredible photos of the bay and cities. :camerawithflash:

🌃 Nighttime Illumination

The bridge lights up beautifully at night, offering a different, enchanting perspective. :city_light:

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Access

While primarily for vehicles, enjoy the views from designated pedestrian areas if available. :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(390 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Third Bridge as an impressive engineering marvel and a significant landmark for Espírito Santo. Its role in connecting Vitória and Vila Velha is highly valued, and the panoramic views it offers are a major highlight. While primarily a functional structure, its aesthetic appeal and the breathtaking scenery make it a memorable experience for many.

"Vitória celebrates the construction of the Third Bridge, now one of the largest bridges in the country, which transforms mobility and tourism in Espírito Santo.

The Bridge Deputy Darcy Castello de Mendonça, popularly known as the Third Bridge, it stands out as one of the largest bridges in the country, the construction of the bridge connects Vitória to Vila Velha with its impressive 3.339 meters in length.

If you thought that crossing a bridge was just a matter of a few steps, the construction of the Third Bridge came to challenge that idea and show that Espírito Santo is home to one of the greatest engineering works in Brazil."

Adathottil Jee

"Good place"

aiju antony

"Top"

Roberto Cosme

What People Like

Impressive engineering
Stunning bay views
Key city connector

What People Dislike

Traffic congestion at times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Third Bridge, officially Ponte Deputado Darcy Castello de Mendonça, connects Vitória and Vila Velha. You can drive or cycle across it. Public transport options might be available, but driving offers the most direct access to experience its length and views. TikTokInstagram

While buses primarily use the bridge for transit between Vitória and Vila Velha, specific tourist routes directly to viewpoints might be limited. It's best to check local transit schedules for routes that cross the bridge. TikTok

The bridge is primarily a vehicular thoroughfare. While walking might not be the primary mode of transport, some sections may offer pedestrian access or viewing points. It's advisable to check local regulations for pedestrian access. Instagram

Driving or cycling across the bridge allows you to fully appreciate its scale and the panoramic views. Experiencing it at sunrise or sunset offers particularly stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

The bridge is approximately 3.3 kilometers long. Crossing time can vary significantly depending on traffic, but typically takes around 5-10 minutes by car. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Crossing the Third Bridge is generally free for vehicles. There are no specific entry tickets required to drive or cycle across. TikTokInstagram

As of recent information, there are no tolls for crossing the Ponte Deputado Darcy Castello de Mendonça. TikTokInstagram

The Third Bridge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as it's a vital transportation link between Vitória and Vila Velha. TikTok

There is no admission fee to view or cross the Third Bridge. It's a public infrastructure accessible to all. Instagram

Stopping on the bridge itself is generally not permitted for safety reasons. It's best to find designated viewpoints or pull-offs before or after crossing for photography. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Great photo opportunities exist from the shores of Vitória and Vila Velha, offering wide-angle views of the bridge. Driving or cycling across also provides dynamic perspectives. Instagram+1

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with golden hues illuminating the bridge and bay. Early mornings provide clear skies and fewer distractions. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities regarding drone operation permits and restrictions before flying near the bridge. Instagram+1

Popular shots include panoramic views of the bridge spanning the bay, close-ups of its architectural details, and shots capturing the city skylines from the bridge. Instagram+1

Yes, the Third Bridge is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different, striking perspective for photographers. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting the Third Bridge can enjoy the experience by driving across, pointing out the vastness of the bay and the connection between the two cities. It's a great opportunity to discuss engineering and geography in a real-world context. While stopping on the bridge isn't ideal for young children, the views from the shores of Vitória or Vila Velha offer plenty of visual stimulation. Consider a picnic with a view of the bridge from a nearby park for a relaxed family outing. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Third Bridge is a prime subject. Aim for sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting that highlights the bridge's structure and the surrounding bay. Capture wide-angle shots from the coastlines of Vitória and Vila Velha, or experiment with different angles as you drive or cycle across. The nighttime illumination also offers unique photographic opportunities, creating a stunning urban landscape. Instagram+1

🚗 Road Trip & Cycling Adventurers

The Third Bridge is a must-drive for any road trip through Espírito Santo. Its impressive length and the scenic vistas make for a memorable journey. Cyclists will also find it a rewarding experience, offering a unique way to traverse the bay and enjoy the fresh sea air. Remember to check local traffic conditions and be mindful of other vehicles. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Engineering Marvel of Espírito Santo

The Ponte Deputado Darcy Castello de Mendonça, affectionately known as the Third Bridge, is a monumental feat of engineering and a vital artery connecting the cities of Vitória and Vila Velha in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Upon its inauguration in 1989, it was the largest construction project ever undertaken in the state and one of the most significant in Brazil. Spanning approximately 3.3 kilometers, it stands as the fifth-longest bridge in the country and reaches a height of 70 meters, allowing large ships to pass underneath. TikTokInstagram+2

The bridge's construction was a strategic move to alleviate traffic congestion on the existing two bridges and to foster greater integration between the two municipalities. Its design features impressive pylons and a robust structure, reflecting advanced engineering principles of its time. The sheer scale and modern design have made it an iconic landmark and a symbol of progress for the region. TikTokInstagram+1

Beyond its functional importance, the Third Bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Vitória Bay, the coastline, and the historic Convento da Penha. This scenic aspect has transformed it into a popular spot for both locals and tourists, enhancing the tourism appeal of Espírito Santo. The bridge is not just a passage but a destination in itself, celebrated for its architectural grandeur and the stunning natural beauty it frames. Instagram+1

Experiencing the Third Bridge: Views and Vistas

Crossing the Third Bridge is an experience that offers more than just transit; it provides a visual feast. As you traverse its 3.3-kilometer span, you're treated to sweeping views of Vitória Bay, the vibrant cityscapes of Vitória and Vila Velha, and the distant, iconic Convento da Penha. These vistas are particularly spectacular during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the sky is painted with a palette of warm colors, casting a magical glow over the landscape. Instagram+1

Many visitors recommend experiencing the bridge by car or bicycle to fully appreciate its scale and the surrounding scenery. The journey across offers a dynamic perspective, with the urban sprawl on one side and the expansive ocean on the other. At night, the bridge itself becomes a spectacle, illuminated with lights that create a dazzling display against the dark sky, offering a different, yet equally captivating, view. Instagram

For photographers, the Third Bridge is a dream location. The best vantage points for capturing its grandeur are often from the shores of either city, allowing for wide-angle shots that encompass the entire structure and its surroundings. While stopping on the bridge itself is not advised for safety, the views from its endpoints and nearby coastal areas provide ample opportunities to capture its impressive architecture and the beautiful Espírito Santo coastline. Instagram

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