This year, on January 29th, Brazil's President, Dilma Russef, inaugurated the Gilberto Amado Bridge. Measuring more than 5,616 feet long, it reduces the 18 mile distance separating Salvador and Aracaju.

The bridge is the largest one to cross the Northeastern river and creates a new route for those who want to travel to and from Aracaju and Salvador. Now anyone can travel each way on the coast, without having to take the BR-101 highway.

Today, all Salvador de Bahia residents will easily enjoy all the attractions offered in Aracaju and the Aracaju natives can also spend more time on the Linha Verde beaches or even visit the Iberostate resort, located just 5 km from Praia do Forte.

  * The bridge's name pays tribute to Jorge Amado's cousin, who, in addition to his involvement in politics, was a member of the Academia Brasileira de Letras (Brazilian Academy of Letters)