Edgar Cardoso (1913-2000) was a brilliant bridge designer and an enthusiastic pioneer of experimental analysis of bridges and of the development and use of high precision transducers and acquisition data systems to monitor the critical parameters affecting the structural behaviour.In his long and proficuous career Professor Edgar Cardoso was very committed to the use of high performance materials,to develop new structural concepts and innovative construction techniques,and to propose inexpensive and effective processes for bridge retrofitting.He was the designer of some outstanding audacious elegant bridges in several continents.Some of them were world records and deserved a worldwide diffusion and recognition.The holistic vision of such inspiring bridge engineer will be emphasised and part of its valuable legacy will be shared through a detailed presentation of several examples.