Ancient bridges
Stone witnesses
Ancient bridges
Stone witnesses
The arches of the Devil's Bridge welcome you to the valley
arfagnana and the Serchio Valley has been a crossroads of religious and commercial itineraries over the centuries, leaving behind a rich artistic heritage.
Discovering the jewels hidden in this area is the most beautiful journey, among ancient legends such as the one that characterizes the Ponte della Maddalena, known as the Ponte del Diavolo. Symbol of the Serchio Valley, it welcomes you to Garfagnana with halos of mystery and ancient legends that amplify the charm of this masterpiece of medieval engineering.
Ponte della Maddalena or Devil's Bridge
With its unmistakable medieval arches
> It seems to have been built on commission of Countess Matilde di Canossa and subsequently restored by the leader Castruccio Castracani. Legend has it that the builder of the work, unable to raise the main arch and complete the work, implored the Devil for help. The latter granted his collaboration, but in exchange he would take the soul of the first person to cross the bridge. Thanks to the Devil, the bridge was built in just one night. The builder, when the time came to honor the pact, cunningly made a dog cross the bridge first and the Devil, enraged by the joke, threw himself off the bridge into the waters of the Serchio without being seen again.
Ponte della Maddalena or Devil's Bridge
With its unmistakable medieval arches
> It seems to have been built on commission of Countess Matilde di Canossa and subsequently restored by the leader Castruccio Castracani. Legend has it that the builder of the work, unable to raise the main arch and complete the work, implored the Devil for help. The latter granted his collaboration, but in exchange he would take the soul of the first person to cross the bridge. Thanks to the Devil, the bridge was built in just one night. The builder, when the time came to honor the pact, cunningly made a dog cross the bridge first and the Devil, enraged by the joke, threw himself off the bridge into the waters of the Serchio without being seen again.
Ponte delle Catene
A Masterpiece of 19th-Century Architecture
> Ponte delle Catene (Chain bridge) in Fornoli (Bagni di Lucca), one of the first suspension bridges in Europe, is a jewel of 19th-century engineering and a symbol of the technological progress of its time. Inaugurated in 1860, this elegant bridge connects the banks of the Lima River with its wrought iron structure, set in a suggestive landscape that combines history and nature. An ideal destination for lovers of architecture and photography, the Chain Bridge offers a unique experience to those visiting Garfagnana and the Serchio Valley.
Ponte delle Catene
A Masterpiece of 19th-Century Architecture
> Ponte delle Catene (Chain bridge) in Fornoli (Bagni di Lucca), one of the first suspension bridges in Europe, is a jewel of 19th-century engineering and a symbol of the technological progress of its time. Inaugurated in 1860, this elegant bridge connects the banks of the Lima River with its wrought iron structure, set in a suggestive landscape that combines history and nature. An ideal destination for lovers of architecture and photography, the Chain Bridge offers a unique experience to those visiting Garfagnana and the Serchio Valley.
Ponte della Madonna
Ancient road along the Pontecosi lake
> This bridge, located along the ancient road that crosses the picturesque Pontecosi lake, is a fascinating example of historical architecture immersed in the heart of Garfagnana. This centuries-old bridge, surrounded by an atmosphere of tranquility and natural beauty, has connected local communities for centuries, offering a privileged observation point over the lake and its enchanting surroundings. An ideal place for those who want to discover the historical and landscape roots of this enchanting region.
Ponte della Madonna
Ancient road along the Pontecosi lake
> This bridge, located along the ancient road that crosses the picturesque Pontecosi lake, is a fascinating example of historical architecture immersed in the heart of Garfagnana. This centuries-old bridge, surrounded by an atmosphere of tranquility and natural beauty, has connected local communities for centuries, offering a privileged observation point over the lake and its enchanting surroundings. An ideal place for those who want to discover the historical and landscape roots of this enchanting region.
Ponte di Santa Lucia
Impressive medieval passage
> This bridge in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is a fascinating structure, both from a historical and technical point of view. Built in the 16th century, the bridge is a significant example of Tuscan Renaissance civil architecture. Made of stone and brick, the bridge is characterized by a single hump-backed span, a typical design of the period that gives the structure a simple but robust elegance.
Ponte di Santa Lucia
Impressive medieval passage
> This bridge in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is a fascinating structure, both from a historical and technical point of view. Built in the 16th century, the bridge is a significant example of Tuscan Renaissance civil architecture. Made of stone and brick, the bridge is characterized by a single hump-backed span, a typical design of the period that gives the structure a simple but robust elegance.
