The Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe. It has a length of 17.2 kilometers, including the viaducts. Construction began in 1995 and finished in 1998. The bridge spans the Targus River in Lisboa and was named for the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, the first to set a sea route from Europe to India.
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The caravel was the vessel of choice for Portuguese and Spanish traders embarking on short voyages of exploration along coastal areas or sailing into shallow estuaries. The lanteen-rigged mast provided speed, easy handling, and maneuverability. English merchants and the traders of the Hanseatic League added to the basic design with a wider breadth and a more rounded bow. These improvements allowed the caravel to travel further and carry heavier loads, important elements during the age of European exploration and discovery.
