Scaliger Bridge in Verona: Medieval Engineering Marvel
The Scaliger Bridge, an architectural masterpiece nestled in the heart of Verona, is a testament to the magnificence of medieval engineering and the rich history of this enchanting city. This awe-inspiring bridge, also known as the Castelvecchio Bridge, spans the serene waters of the Adige River, captivating visitors with its timeless allure.
We first saw it from the windows of the Castelvecchio. The bridge, made of bricks, looked strong and mighty and has a very interesting history.
Other names for this are: Castelvecchio Bridge or Scaligeri Bridge and in Italian, Ponte Scaligero.The bridge is officially known as the “Ponte di Castelvecchio” in Italian, which translates to “Castelvecchio Bridge” in English.
Its sturdy stone arches rise gracefully above the river, forming a harmonious symphony of strength and elegance. The bridge’s architectural design, attributed to the renowned architect Fra Giovanni da Campione, showcases a remarkable blend of Gothic and Renaissance influences.
The Scaliger Bridge acts as a gateway, connecting the historic heart of Verona to the magnificent Castelvecchio fortress, which stands proudly on the opposite bank. The shimmering waters of the Adige River flow beneath you, while the surrounding landscape unfolds in a captivating tableau. The panoramic views along the Scaliger Bridge are magical and mesmerizing.
History of Scaliger Bridge Verona
Beyond its architectural and artistic splendor, the Scaliger Bridge holds stories of Verona’s turbulent history. Built in the 14th century, it was originally intended as a defensive structure, protecting the ruling Scaligeri family and their fortress, Castelvecchio. The bridge witnessed countless events, from battles and sieges to cultural gatherings and romantic encounters.
It was built by Cangrande II della Scala in 1354-1356 to grant him a safe way of escape from the annexed castle in the event of a rebellion of the population against his tyrannical rule. He was nicknamed Can Rabbioso (“Raging Dog”).
Cangrande II della Scala ruled Verona with iron fist, amassing rich treasures for his illegitimate sons and impoverishing the city. Internal strife led the suspicious Cangrande to surround himself with Brandenburg mercenaries.
This did not prevent him being assassinated by his brother Cansignorio, who, with the help of the Carraresi of Padua, succeeded him.
Scaliger Bridge Verona
The Legacy of the Scaligeri Family
The legacy of the Scaligeri family in Verona is one that resonates with power, influence, and cultural patronage. As one of the most prominent ruling families in Verona during the medieval era, the Scaligeri left an indelible mark on the city’s history and development.
Originating from Verona, the Scaligeri family rose to prominence in the 13th century and held sway over the city for several centuries. They were known for their astute political strategies, military prowess, and patronage of the arts and architecture.
Under the leadership of Cangrande I della Scala, the Scaligeri family experienced a period of unprecedented expansion and prosperity. Cangrande’s shrewd diplomacy and military campaigns allowed Verona to flourish as a center of commerce and culture. His patronage of scholars, poets, and artists attracted luminaries to the city, including the renowned poet Dante Alighieri.
The Scaligeri family’s influence can be witnessed in Verona’s architectural landscape. They commissioned remarkable structures that still stand today, such as the Scaliger Tombs, a series of Gothic mausoleums that serve as a testament to their power and dynastic pride. Another iconic monument associated with the Scaligeri family is the Castelvecchio fortress, an engineering marvel that showcases their strategic vision.
Furthermore, the Scaligeri family’s love for the arts led to a flourishing cultural scene in Verona. They supported renowned artists, sculptors, and musicians, contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry. The family’s patronage of the arts helped shape Verona into a hub of creativity and intellectual exchange during the medieval period.
Legend about this Verona Bridge tells that
the designer, Guglielmo Bevilacqua, presented himself at the inauguration riding a horse, ready to flee away in case the bridge had crumbled down. An engineering marvel, when made, it has over 48 m of arch, followed by two smaller ones that are 29 m and 24 m.
Castelvecchio Bridge connects the city’s late-medieval castle to the River Adige’s left bank. There is a mention by author and historian Valerio Massimo Manfredi in one of his books:
“Although I am well aware that it was almost completely destroyed in a bombing and later completely rebuilt, I feel like it is the most beautiful, most medieval, most arched bridge of all, and every time I walk across it I imagine paying the toll to the devil… who knows why…”
Recent History of Verona Bridge
Castelvecchio Verona remained intact for at least five centuries. In the early 1800s the French eliminated the battlements and pruned a tower of the castle. In 1848 Radetzky rigged it with mines but good sense prevailed, he did not make them explode.
The fleeing German troops blew up all of Verona’s bridges including this Ponte Scaligero on April 24th 1945. Reconstruction began in 1949 and was finished in 1951, identical to the original one, using as much as possible of the recovered materials. I think the original Ponte Scaligero too would have looked impressive.
Scaliger Bridge Practical Information
Located in: Castelvecchio Museum Verona
Address: Corso Castelvecchio, 2, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
Coordinates: 45.440900738945054, 10.987239484656902
Total length: 120 m
Opened: 1354
Bridge type: Arch bridge
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hehe the designer came on a horse ready to scoot in case of mishap 😀 it certaily looks a sturdy bridge though.
Haha. I like the architect too
Wow…what a beautiful bridge. Great post 🙂
Interesting story.. Historic Bridge!
It looks unique. Great architecture for a bridge; it really does have a lot of character.
Lovely information.. Thanks for spotting life 🙂
That’s cool.
Interesting story!
What a brilliant piece of architecture!
Beautiful place. Went on peak hours?
The tourists! :O I am sure you would have got amazing views from the bridge though!
How sad that retreating armies destroy so much as they go! This is a handsome bridge just the same.
A really beautiful bridge. I love the red brick.
Very interesting history. You have a good vantage view of the bridge. I see a lot of people, a very well visited landmark for tourists!
Beautiful photos of this historic bridge!
It looks very popular 🙂
And it´s actually lovely!
Best regards from Argentina
Elisa
I have photos of this bridge tucked away somewhere! Isn't it marvellous? 🙂
Indeed a most interesting history. It is too bad the retreating Germans destroyed the original bridge. The Germans in WWII, destructive as they were in the advance, were even more so in the retreat and this was particularly true in Italy.
«Louis» thanks you for your contribution to Sunday Bridges.
Looks like a great place, full of history, as you've recounted, but tell me when you were there, so I can avoid it like the plague… those crowds would crowd me out! 🙂
Wondreful bridge! Looks a bit overcrowded but it's terrific!
Happy Sunday to you:)
very interesting history. thanks for including the part where the designer was getting to gallop away.:p this is a beautiful brick bridge, wonderful shots.
What a cool bridge. so glad that it was re-constructed, bummer that it had ever been destroyed.
Wow! It's still quite a stunning bridge!
very impressive 🙂 thanks a lot for showing Italy to us 🙂
Great post and nice pics.
Another fine post with wonderful photos and a fascinating history.. or two.
Great pics. Can imagine its original glory.
If you crop it right, the middle pic could pass off as a section of the Great Wall of China ;-P Have a blessed weekend!
Historical…
I'm always impressed by old buildings. they always look strong and tough and glorious
fantastic construction, wonderful photos and info
Absolutely beautiful architecture!
I love bridges and these are stunning! Fabulous shots!
I like, I like.
Very beautifully designed bridge. Its amazing to see such a wonderful architecture. Lovely shot.
I guess the earlier bridge would have been impressive. But this one is too!
That looks like an excellent piece of architechture… But so many tourists…???!!!!!!