General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge

General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge is not only an architectural landmark but also a significant connecting point of Maracaibo. Ricardo Morandi, an Italian civil engineer, designed the structure of the bridge and was selected as the final one in 1957. Completed in 1962, it is built out of reinforced and prestressed concrete. A magnificent construction, the cable stayed bridge spans across the mouth of the stunning aquamarine waters of Lake Maracaibo for 8.7 kilometers (5.4 miles). The five cable spans are 235 meters (771 feet) long and upheld by 92 meters (302 feet) tall columnar towers. The glory of the bridge has been compared to the celebrated bridges of Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge in America. Soaring over the tidal waters, the bridge is the second longest in South America.