Castel Vecchio Arch Bridge - Verona, Italy
Posted by: 
ThePacman
N 45° 26.432 E 010° 59.236
32T E 655421 N 5033810
Verona's 14th century Castel Vecchio Bridge had at one stage the longest arch bridge span in the world.
Waymark Code: WMNPZW
Location: Veneto, Italy
Date Posted: 04/16/2015
Views: 12
The Castel Vecchio Bridge in Verona was built in the 14th century, and is known in Italy as the Ponte di Castel Vecchio or Ponte Scaligero.
It was originally built by the noble ruler Cangrande II della Scala in 1356. della Scala, who was seen as a tyrant, needed a possible escape route out of his Castel Vecchio castle north towards Austria in case of popular rebellion.
Castel Vecchio Bridge is a fortified bridge of three segmental arches which span a total of 120 metres over the Adige River. The largest arch spans almost 50 metres, and was the largest arch in the world at the time of construction. The distinctive architecture has red brick above and white marble below. The main bridge tower is typical of the Medieval period.
The smaller tower on the northern bank was destroyed by French troops in the 18th century and never rebuilt.
During World War II, on the 24th April 1945, the bridge which had been standing for centuries was destroyed by German troops as they withdrew from Verona. It was accurately reconstructed in 1951 with the original bricks and stones.
It is now used as a pedestrian walkway, where many tourists walk between its fortified embattlements every day.
Length of bridge: 120m
Height of bridge: 20m estimated.
What type of traffic does this bridge support?: Pedestrian walkway
What kind of gap does this bridge cross?:
The River Adige
Date constructed: 1356
Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: No, just as a popular tourism attraction.
Name of road or trail the bridge services: Links the Castel Vecchio castle to land on the north.
Location:
Verona, Italy
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