Third Bridge

The Deputy Darcy Castelo de Mendonça Bridge, colloquially known as the Third Bridge, is the second tallest bridge in Brazil, connecting the cities of Vila Velha and Vitória in the state of Espirito Santo. Spanning the mouth of Vitória's bay, which has many other features, including the Penha Convent, Moreno's hill, freight ships, coastline, islands and modern buildings, the bridge has become one of Espirito Santo's main landmarks.

Construction began on the bridge in 1978 and was completed and 11 years later on August 23, 1989. The Third Bridge was so dubbed in reference to two older bridges between Vitória and Vila Velha: Florentino Avidos Bridge, known as 'Five Bridges'; and the Prince Bridge, known as the 'Second Bridge'. It is now the main link between Vitória and the southern coast of Espirito Santo. After the Third Bridge was completed, Vila Velha, previously known as a sleepy seaside town, entered a period of intense civil development.