Verona

Ponte Pietra in Verona

Ponte Pietra (Ponte Pietra) - the only arch bridge in Verona, which was built in the era of the Roman Empire and has survived to this day almost in its original form. The name literally translated from Italian means "Stone Bridge". The length of the structure is 120 meters, the width is slightly less than 4 meters. Connecting the banks of the Adige River, at one end it literally rests against an old watchtower.

Story

Ponte Pietra is the first stone bridge built on the territory of modern Verona around the year 89 AD. It consisted of five spans, made in the form of arches, and was originally called Pon Marmoreus (Pon Marmoreus) - Marble Bridge, based on the main material that was used for construction. In antiquity, the Postumiev road ran along it, connecting the trading city of Genoa and the Brenner Pass in the Alpine Mountains.

Due to the large number of reconstructions, Pont Marmoreus changed his name (and, accordingly, the main masonry material) and became known as Ponte Pietra. Next to it was built a similar arched bridge - Ponte Postumio (Ponte Postumio). Together, they framed the ancient Roman Theater with a single architectural ensemble, partially preserved to this day.

Toward the end of World War II, the Germans, retreating from the dilapidated Verona, blew up all the bridges in the city, including the old Ponte Pietra. Fortunately, photographs and technical specifications of the structure have been preserved. This made it possible at the end of the war to raise fragments from the bottom of Adige and rebuild it, almost completely preserving its original form. True, the marble masonry had to be partially replaced with other materials, including red brick. As a result, Ponte Pietra acquired a rather original appearance, which is known to the current inhabitants and guests of Verona.

Places nearby Ponte Pietra

Other interesting sights of Verona are located near Ponte Pietra. The most important of them is the ancient Roman Theater (Teatro Romano), built at the beginning of the 1st century AD. Fragments of the orchestra, where there were places for noble spectators, a stage and part of an ancient temple, which was part of the theater complex, have been preserved to the present.

Not far from the Roman Theater is the monastery of San Girolamo (San Girolamo) interesting primarily because it houses the archaeological museum, which has a rather rich exposition.

Crossing the river, you can find yourself next to the church of St. Stephen - one of the most revered heavenly patrons of all of Europe and especially Italy. According to some versions, it was the church of St. Stephen that once served as the city church of Verona. Together with the bridge, these attractions form an amazingly beautiful architectural complex, which you can admire almost endlessly.

Watch the video: Ponte Pietra - Inside Verona (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Verona, Next Article

Where to go in Italy for Easter
Italy for everyone

Where to go in Italy for Easter

A visit to Italy on Easter is becoming more popular among Russian-speaking tourists. And although the Italians themselves respond very ambiguously to Easter in Rome, Florence or Venice, nevertheless, these directions remain the most popular because they allow you to get a “two in one” trip - to feel the traditions of Italian Easter and just have a good time, getting the most out of emotions from really spring weather.
Read More
Opera house in Rome: it is difficult to remain indifferent
Italy for everyone

Opera house in Rome: it is difficult to remain indifferent

Musical styles and directions come and go, while Italians' love of opera remains unchanged. Today, like 100-200 years ago, performances are discussed, they argue about theaters, crushing or laudatory articles are written about performers that find a warm response in the hearts of millions of Belcanto lovers. And the Opera House in Rome - Teatro dell'Opera di Roma - is just one of those stage venues, without which it is impossible to imagine a world musical culture.
Read More
San Remo Italian Song Festival - "Star-stamping Factory"
Italy for everyone

San Remo Italian Song Festival - "Star-stamping Factory"

The Italian press claims that the career of any Italian artist begins in San Remo. Over its history, the Italian Song Festival in San Remo has become a stepping stone to the world of music and fame for dozens of young talents. Adriano Celentano, Toto Cutugno, Eros Ramazotti, Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini and other stars of Italian pop music became famous just after winning the Festival in San Remo.
Read More