Ponte della Maddalena facts for kids
The Ponte della Maddalena is a famous old bridge in Italy. It crosses the Serchio River near a town called Borgo a Mozzano in the province of Lucca. This bridge is special because it's one of many medieval bridges known as the Ponte del Diavolo, which means "Bridge of the Devil".
Long ago, it was a very important crossing point. It was part of the Via Francigena, an old road that pilgrims used to travel from France to Rome. This made it a key spot for people on their way to holy places in the Middle Ages.
Contents
Building a Medieval Masterpiece
The Ponte della Maddalena is an amazing example of medieval engineering. It was likely ordered by Countess Matilda of Tuscany between the years 1080 and 1100. This means the bridge is over 900 years old!
Around the year 1300, the bridge was updated. This work was guided by Castruccio Castracani, a powerful leader from Lucca. The longest arch of the bridge stretches about 37.8 meters (124 feet).
How the Bridge Got Its Name
Around the year 1500, the bridge got its current name, Ponte della Maddalena. This name came from a small chapel nearby. The chapel was dedicated to Mary Magdalene, and a statue of her stood at the foot of the bridge on the eastern side.
Protecting the Bridge
People in the past knew how important this bridge was. In 1670, the government of the Republic of Lucca made a rule. They said that heavy items like millstones and large sacks of flour could not cross the bridge. This rule was put in place to help protect the bridge structure and keep it strong.
In 1836, the bridge was badly damaged during a flood. It needed urgent repairs to make it safe again. Thanks to these efforts, the bridge is still standing today.
Other Famous Medieval Bridges
Many other large medieval bridges exist around the world. Here are a few examples:
- Puente del Diablo (Martorell) (37.3 m span)
- Puente de San Martín (Toledo) (40 m span)
- Nyons Bridge (40.53 m span)
- Pont du Diable (Céret) (45.45 m span)
- Castelvecchio Bridge (48.7 m span)
- Pont Grand (Tournon-sur-Rhône) (49.2 m span)
- Pont de Vieille-Brioude (54.2 m span)
- Trezzo sull'Adda Bridge (72 m span)
