Laços da Amizade Bridge

Nestled by the sea and spread along the Ria’s lagoon, Aveiro is a city shaped by water. Much like Venice, it’s crisscrossed by peaceful canals that make strolling on foot a real pleasure. To get around, visitors drift from quay to quay, crossing the many small bridges they see along the way. But there’s one bridge you simply can’t miss, the Laços da Amizade Bridge, right in front of you. Just look at the railings, wrapped in hundreds of colourful ribbons. According to local legend, this tradition began in 2014, thanks to two marketing students from Aveiro’s university, Helena Miranda and Rafael Coutinho. One day after class, they decided to give Aveiro a new, attention-grabbing symbol. They tied ribbons bearing their names to this bridge, as a sign of love and friendship. Locals quickly joined in, followed by visitors, and now the Laços da Amizade, literally, the “Friendship Ties” Bridge, is draped in fabric. If you’d like to take part, nearby shops sell ribbons just for the occasion. Once you’ve bought one, write your name and the name of someone special, then tie it to the bridge and leave your mark on Aveiro.