The Ponte Pietra is an ancient bridge over the river Adige in Verona. It consists of five arches, probably dating from three different eras. After being bombed in the Second World War, the debris had to be fished out of the river and the bridge was reassembled bit by bit.
Ponte Pietra Verona
History and description
The Ponte Pietra was built in a spot where, already in prehistoric times,it used to be possible to wade across the river. Since none of the Roman roads lead directly to the bridge, it is thought that it must have been built earlier than the year 89 BC.
Over the centuries the bridge has often collapsed, but it was always restored and rebuilt.
The marble blocks were added in the 2nd century AD.
In 1298 towers were erected on both sides of the bridge. (One of the two was destroyed in 1801).
In 1520 Fra’ Giocondo had the Ponte Pietra restored.
Between 1957 and 1959 the bridge had to be completely rebuilt as it had been destroyed by the Germans during the war. To do this, the stone blocks and other materials had to be fished out of the river and fit together again as accurately as possible.
The current bridge consists of five arches. The first two date from Roman times and are made of local white lime. In the pillar between these two arches a window is still visible.
The second arch shows a sculpted male figure, which dates from the 2nd or 3rd century.
The arch closest to the tower was placed there in 1298 by order of Alberto I della Scala.
The middle two arches are the result of a reconstruction in 1520.