LISBON, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- A new viewing platform stationed on Lisbon's iconic April 25 suspension bridge opened to the public on Wednesday, according to the Tourism Association of Lisbon.
The "Pilar 7 Experience" takes visitors 72 meters up in a glass elevator attached to one of the bridge's main stanchions to view the city.
The new project was made possible by a 5.3-million-euro (6.2 million U.S. dollars) investment that was partly financed by Lisbon's tourism tax, a scheme whereby guests pay one euro per overnight stay in the city.
The April 25 suspension bridge connects Lisbon to Almada, a town on the south bank of the River Tagus. The bridge was built between 1962 and 1966 and the new visitor attraction is part of commemorations to mark its 50 years of activity. Originally called Salazar Bridge, the name was changed in 1974 to honor the Carnation Revolution, a bloodless coup which brought an end to the long time dictatorship in Portugal.
The attraction, priced at six euros for adults, was inaugurated on Wednesday to celebrate World Tourism Day. Lisbon is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world.
