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The Footbridge in Covilhã One of the most recent works of modern architecture in Covilhã is the footbridge over the Ribeira da Carpinteira, designed by João Luís Carrilho da Graça. This has helped to make the city one of "the World’s Coolest Design Destinations", a distinction awarded by the magazine "Travel & Leisure".

Its wavy, segmented lines were the solution adopted by the Portuguese architect to afford pedestrians access to one of the steepest areas in Covilhã. Besides making it easier to cross to the other side of the valley, it also provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the whole region, with the Serra da Estrela on one side and the vast open countryside of Cova da Beira, on the other.

Built in reinforced concrete, the footbridge was opened in 2009 and, at a height of 52 metres, is one of the highest in the country. Measuring 220 metres long and 4.4 metres wide, it was built to take pedestrians across the valley of the Ribeira da Carpinteira.

Carrilho da Graça is an internationally renowned Portuguese architect, and his other notable works include the adaptations that he made at the Flor da Rosa Monastery, in Crato, the Museu do Oriente, the Museum in the São Jorge Castle and the Cruise Terminal, all in Lisbon, as well as the Convento de São Francisco, in Coimbra.