Scaliger Bridge (Italy) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.
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The Scaliger Bridge over the Adige River connects Castelvecchio Castle with the left bank part of the city. It was built in the middle of the 14th century, then it was the only way to get to the fortress by land. And now the bridge leads directly to the entrance to the castle - its visitors completely repeat the path of the medieval knights.
The bridge bears the name of the dynasty that ruled during its construction.
The Scaliger Bridge is solid in a medieval way: wide, without decorative excesses - an excellent example of the Romanesque style. It is decorated only with jagged elements, the same as on the walls of the castle. The length of the bridge is 12 m, it consists of three spans of different sizes, separated by quadrangular towers. The spans are made in the form of arches, which gives the structure a certain elegance. Their arches and the base of the bridge are made of white marble, effectively contrasting with the red brick of the entire structure.
The bridge turned out to be very strong: for the first time since its construction, it suffered only in the 18th century - one of its towers was destroyed by French soldiers. At the end of World War II, it was blown up by the Germans, but local residents very quickly restored the historical bridge, removing its fragments from the bottom of the river.
Practical information
Address: Verona, Ponte Scaligero. GPS coordinates: 45.440439, 10.987267.
The bridge is located in the city center; it now connects Castelvecchio Castle with the small park Giardini Pubblici Arsenale. There are several public transport stops nearby, the closest being Castelvecchio, which is served by bus route number 173.
Verona is the second city in Italy after Rome in terms of the number of well-preserved Roman buildings: there is an ancient theater and amphitheater, a stone bridge over the Adige River, the Gavian Arch and the city gates, the decorative apparatus of which glorifies the Roman Empire.
Just take a walk around the city, and the majestic buildings and ruins of antiquity will remind you of its rich past. Walking along the pavements, under which lie the ruins and mosaics of ancient Roman villas and mansions, you can examine fragments of these monuments at the specially equipped archaeological sites of Scavi Scaligieri and Villa di Valdonega.
Story
The first contacts of the future Verona with Rome were noted in the 4th century. BC. The peoples who inhabited this area begin to enter into regular trade relations with the Eternal City.
Porta Borsari, one of the ancient Roman monuments of Verona / www.shutterstock.com
With the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Verona first converted to Christianity (this occurs between the 3rd and 4th centuries), and then became the prey of numerous conquerors from across the Alps. During these dark centuries, the city experienced a short period of prosperity from 493 to 526, when Verona became one of the favorite cities of the Ostrogoth king Theodoric. He builds palaces, water supply, baths and new walls here.
From 1181 to 1185 Pope Lucius III lives here. At this time, Verona became an active participant in the struggle of free communes for autonomy, which the emperors Frederick Barbarossa and Frederick II Staufen tried to challenge. After some time, Ezzelino da Romano took power in the city, and since 1263, Verona has been ruled by the Scaliger dynasty for more than 120 years.
The Della Scala family did not disdain any means in order to come to power, but managed to provide the city with long-term economic prosperity, which it had not known since the times of ancient Rome. They built castles, churches, palaces and turned Verona into one of the cultural centers of late medieval Italy: Giotto, Dante and Petrarch visited the Scaliger court, and the latter discovered a manuscript of Cicero's letters in the library of the local chapter.
On October 17, 1797, the entire region came under Austrian control and remained in this status until 1866, with the exception of the period from 1805 to 1814, when Verona was part of the Kingdom of Italy. At this time, fortifications were actively being built, Fort Pastrengo, the Arsenal and the Castle of San Pietro were being erected.
What to see
Amphitheater "Arena"
It is Verona's main monument and hosts major concerts and music festivals. It recalls the ancient past of the city and is the third largest amphitheater to survive to this day after the Colosseum in Rome and the amphitheater in Capua. The Arena was built in the 1st century. BC. This elliptical structure rests on a continuous sequence of 27 double stone arches.
During the era of the Roman Empire (the Arena was built during the reign of Augustus and Claudius), gladiator fights took place here; The name "Arena" comes from the Latin word "harena" - "sand": this covering absorbed the blood left after battles. For many centuries, tournaments and duels were held in the amphitheater, ballets were staged, circus performances and bulls were tamed; The world's largest open-air opera festival has been taking place here since 1993, and it's an absolutely unforgettable experience.
Sconce Square
When exploring Verona, it is wise to start with Piazza Bra: it is located in the very center of the city and is usually well lit by the sun. Here you will find buildings from different times and styles.
The most famous of them are the Arena, Palazzo Barbieri and Palazzo della Gran Guardia; Also worthy of attention are the Alpine Fountain, the Liston promenade and the aristocratic palazzos along it, the walls of the Visconti dynasty, the monument to Victor Emmanuel II and the pentagonal tower.
The “Alpine Fountain” is installed among the centuries-old fir trees that decorate the central square. It was built in 1975 in honor of the twinning between the cities of Scaliger and Munich. Locals affectionately call it the “lemon squeezer” for its shape, reminiscent of a citrus juicer, and enjoy bathing in it when Veronese athletes win important victories.
Opposite the fountain is the Palazzo Barbieri - the building of the city municipality, where city council meetings are also held. This monumental building in the neoclassical style was built from 1836 to 1848. and resembles ancient temples. Its scale makes a powerful impression. The central part of the façade is occupied by a projecting portico with columns of the Corinthian order, a wide staircase and a large triangular pediment with the coat of arms of the city. The two wings are decorated with massive semi-columns, which add monumentality and set the rhythm for the window openings on the two floors of the building.
Palazzo Gran Guardia / (c) wikimedia.commons
A little further away there is another monumental palace, the Gran Guardia, which seems to be trying to compete in grandeur with the bulk of the Arena. It was built from 1610 to 1853. and consists of two floors and an attic. The length of the building is almost 90 meters; its façade is decorated with thirteen majestic arcades with powerful and rough rustication. Above the second floor there is an architrave with metopes and triglyphs.
Piazza delle Erbe
For many centuries, the “Piazza des Herbs” remained the center of social, economic and religious life in Verona. In the ancient Roman era, there was a Forum here, the length of which approximately coincided with the length of the current square. At the Forum there was a Capitol, several temples and baths, connected by a covered gallery with numerous benches.
During the period of the free commune, the buildings of the main state institutions were located here, and under the Scaligers, trade and cultural functions were added to the political functions.
In the eastern part of the square, on the Via Mazzini side, is the 13th-century Palazzo della Ragione (also known as Palazzo del Comune), the centuries-old center of political power in the city. Above the palace rises a tower erected in 1172 by the Lamberti family in the Romanesque style characteristic of that era; traces of it are still visible closer to the base of the structure, made of bricks alternating with tuff. Over the years, the tower was made higher, materials and styles changed, although the result always remained harmonious, and in 1464 the octagonal belfry was completed. The tower reached 84 meters and became the tallest in the city.
In the northwestern part of the square there are two buildings of historical and artistic interest: the Baroque Palazzo Maffei and the ancient Gardello Tower. The palace was built in the 17th century. and became the first Baroque building in all of Verona. Its elegant and refined building has three floors and a magnificent façade decorated with six statues of mythological characters. All of them are made of marble of local origin, except for the statue of Hercules: it was found on the ruins of a temple of the 1st century. AD (its ruins are visible in the cellars of the restaurant located on the ground floor).
The Gardello Tower was built in the 13th century, but it acquired its current appearance under Cansignorio della Scala, who ordered the tower to be put in order in 1363 and raised to its current height of 44 m.
At the corner of Pellicciai Street stands the magnificent building of the Domus Mercatorum, erected by the Scaligers in 1301 for the management of the city workshops, when a new market was placed on the square (there was not enough space for the old one, which was located in the small Piazza Mercato Vecchio) by that time. . Over the years, it was rebuilt more than once and changed its purpose, but at the end of the 19th century. was returned to its original appearance as a medieval fortified house.
Ponte di Pietra Bridge
This bridge was built in the first century BC. instead of the previous wooden one. It is, without a doubt, the oldest and one of the most beautiful Roman buildings in the city, as well as one of the symbols of Verona. In antiquity, Verona had seven bridges over the Adige River, two of them located near the Roman theater: Ponte Marmoreus (today's Ponte di Pietra) and Ponte Postumius. In 905 there was a flood on Adige, and the latter was dilapidated. Three centuries later, in 1239, he finally surrendered to the mercy of the elements.
Over more than two thousand years of its history, Ponte di Pietra has experienced many floods and collapses and has been rebuilt several times. Now it looks like a donkey's back and rests on asymmetrical arches, which, of course, differ significantly from the original configuration of the structure. However, it is precisely this unusual layering of materials and shapes, which testifies to the various stages in the life of the bridge, that gives it a special charm. The ideal time for a walk around Ponte di Pietra is in the evening, when cleverly tuned lighting, reflections and the splash of river water make it one of the most romantic places in Verona.
Juliet's House
Juliet and Romeo - two of the most famous lovers in the world - gained immortality thanks to the pen of William Shakespeare. The backdrop of their tragedy was Verona, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, whose historical and cultural heritage has impressed artists, poets, travelers and famous people at all times. The story of the unhappy love of Romeo and Juliet unfolds in two very specific points of the city - Juliet's house and her grave.
The house was built in the 13th century. This is a tower house, long owned by the Dal Cappello family, whose coat of arms - a headdress - is carved on the inside of the entrance arch facing the courtyard. On the façade of the building is the famous balcony from which Juliet allegedly spoke to her lover. The house can be visited: inside there is a plausible reconstruction of a house from the 15th century, distributed over several floors; the walls are decorated with frescoes that have now been restored, and in addition to them, the interior features benches with carved drawers, brick fireplaces and other details.
At the back of the courtyard there is a statue of Juliet by Nereo Costantini. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come here every year.
Ancient theater
Today, from the Roman theater, built on the slope of the hill of San Pietro towards the end of the 1st century. BC, only seats for spectators and a podium remained, as well as individual arches and impressive fragments of the stage. New civil and religious buildings were built on the ruins of the theater in the Middle Ages. Clearing of the monument began in 1834.
Ancient Theater / www.shutterstock.com
At the top of the theater, in the former monastery of San Girolamo, is the Archaeological Museum. It was established in 1924. The exhibition displays hundreds of objects found in Verona and the surrounding area, as well as materials from the city's collections. Many items are kept in storage and are shown only at individual exhibitions.
Lamberti Tower
The Lamberti Tower was built from tuff, bricks and marble in the Middle Ages. In 1464 it was restored, and in 1779 a large clock was installed on the tower. Its height is 84 m. The tower is famous for its two bells - Rengo and Marangona; the first assembled the city council or called the townspeople to arms, and the second struck the clock or warned of a fire.
The tower can be reached by stairs or elevator. From there you have a magnificent view of the old town and the surrounding area of Verona.
Cathedral
Although Verona Cathedral is located in a small and austere square, it is the most beautiful and rich church in the city. The graceful Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, on the site of an early Christian basilica, towering above the roofs of the houses of the historical center, was consecrated by Pope Urbano III in 1187.
Interiors and details of Verona Cathedral / www.shutterstock.com
Over the following centuries, it underwent numerous alterations in order to expand and decorate it. In the middle of the 15th century, its naves increased in height, and a late Gothic façade was added. In the 16th century the architect Michele Sanmicheli designed the cathedral's bell tower. In the 18th century the side chapels of Santissimo Sacramento and Madonna del Popolo were remodeled in Baroque style, and in 1880 a new marble floor was created. Construction of the campanile resumed in 1913.
The façade of the cathedral is divided into three parts by triangular buttresses. Gothic and Romanesque are intricately combined here: this is the architecture of flowers, the dominant feature of which is a magnificent two-level rubble. In the lower part it is supported by twisted columns, which rest on winged griffins. On the columns rest semicircular arches with floral ornaments, hunting scenes and figures of saints on the sides.
In the upper part we again see a semicircular arch with a tympanum above it and arches that rest on eight columns. Prophets and animals are carved on the magnificent portal, and in the upper part it is decorated with a lunette with a multi-colored bas-relief depicting the Madonna enthroned with child, surrounded by the wise men and shepherds who came to look at it.
Even higher it is easy to notice the modifications of the XV-XVI centuries, when the building was built on, a pair of large double bifor windows appeared on the facade, a rose in the middle, surrounded by a blind loggia with eight copies of small columns, and even higher - the last level with the coat of arms of Cardinal Agostino Vallera, who was Bishop of Verona for three decades (from 1565 to 1599) and an important member of the congregation of the Roman Inquisition.
Enogastronomy
The culinary tradition of Verona is based on two pillars: traditional local products and the imagination of the chefs. One of the most famous local dishes, gnocchi, was once the food of the common people. Gnocchi day is Fat Friday, when this potato dumpling becomes the queen of the Verona carnival. Among the first courses, it is worth noting tortellini di Valeggio sul Mincio, bigoli with duck, risotto with minced meat “tastasal”.
Tortellini with truffle
And, of course, one cannot fail to mention local cheeses, first of all, Monte Veronese from the pastures of Lessinia, which is made in three varieties. The basis of its excellent taste is excellent milk and strict adherence to ancient production technologies.
Al-tastasal rice
In general, Venetian cuisine in all its diversity is represented in Verona. The areas around Verona have very different climatic and geographical characteristics, so chefs have a wide variety of high-quality products at their disposal. The Lake Garda area produces excellent olive oil and also has a large selection of wines.
Bigoli with duck
Verona is Italy's leader in the quantity of DOC wine produced (1.5 million hectoliters per year). Of the 22 DOC wines produced in the Veneto region, 10 come from the vineyards of Verona. Two top category wines, Bardolino Classico Docg and Recioto di Soave Docg, are also produced in Verona. Verona's vineyards are located in the hills that stretch throughout the province from Lake Garda to the Val d'Alpone near the border at Vicenza.
Vineyards in the Valpolicella Valley
The large area of vineyards also contributes to the variety of wines produced. These are Bardolino, Lugano, Custoza and Garda, grown in the hills around Lake Garda. Valpolicella, Val Pantena, Val Squaranto, Val Mezzane, Val d'Illasi, Val Tramigna and Val d'Alpone are considered to be the birthplace of Valpolicella and Soave. In the east they make Durello and Monte Lessini; in the north, Val d'Adige and Val Lagarina produce the newly popular autochthonous wine enatio.
How to get there
By plane
By plane: Catullo/Villafranca Airport is 12 km from the center of Verona. It is connected by train to Porta Nuova Station. There are daily flights from the airport to Milan, Rome and other cities in Italy and Europe.
By train
Verona's main station is called Verona Porta Nuova. The country's main railways intersect here: Milan-Venice and Rome-Brennero. Also from this station there is a line Verona-Mantua-Modena.
By car
There are two motorways leading to Verona, the A4 Turin-Venice and the A22 Brennero.
It has not yet been determined exactly when Ponte Pietra - the Stone Bridge was built. For several centuries it was made of wood, according to scientists, and in the first century it was built of stone.
The surviving part of the pilasters of the Roman bridge was built using the opus quadratum method, that is, from square stone blocks fastened with iron brackets. On the second pilaster, scientists see traces of restoration of the bridge back in ancient times. Most likely, the first restoration took place in the second half of the 2nd century.
Scaliger Bridge
The Scaliger Bridge (Ponte Scaligero) is a bridge structure across the Adige River, located in the Italian city of Verona. The structure was erected in 1335 by order of the ruling member of the Scaliger dynasty - Cangrande II della Scala. The Scaliger Bridge has three spans, the central and largest of which reaches a length of 50 meters. The structure connects the left side of Verona with Castelvecchio Castle. During the Middle Ages, the bridge served as the only road to this defensive structure.
Ponte Pietra, which means "stone bridge" in Italian, is an arched bridge spanning the banks of the Adige River. It was built at the end of the 1st century BC. across the ford and originally bore the name Pon Marmoreus. Later, as a result of numerous reconstructions due to floods and earthquakes, it received its current name. Once upon a time, the famous Postumian road passed along it, leading from Genoa to the Brenner Pass in the Alps. In ancient Roman times, a similar bridge was built nearby - Ponte Postumio, which, together with Ponte Pietra, framed the ancient Roman Theater. On its stage, majestic navahias – “sea battles” – unfolded. In 1298, by order of Alberto I della Scala, the span closest to the right bank of the Adige was rebuilt. The total length of the bridge is 95 meters, the width is about 4 meters. On the right bank it abuts a watchtower.
At the end of the Second World War, the five-span Ponte Pietra, like other bridges in Verona, was blown up by retreating German troops, and only in 1959 it was restored by raising the original fragments from the river bottom. Of course, not all components were found, so various materials were used for the reconstruction - in addition to white marble, red brick was used, which gave the structure a special picturesque quality. Ponte Pietra was once Verona's first stone bridge, and today it is the only Roman bridge remaining in the city.
Charming Verona is a city of bridges, picturesque squares and streets. A city with a huge architectural and historical heritage. Verona is located near Lake Garda, at the very mouth of the Adige River. Many years ago, the city was part of the Venetian state, today it is the region of Venice.
Verona is a major tourist center in Italy. It is a rich, industrial and cultural city. A city with a fairly developed infrastructure. Crowds of tourists from all over the world are eager to admire this splendor.
History of the city of Verona
Many thousands of years ago, the first settlements appeared on the banks of the Adige. They were mostly nomads. In 89 BC, Verona became part of the Roman colony. Thanks to the Romans, the first original buildings and structures were built.
In the 3rd century, the city was a defensive fortress. Its impregnable walls served as protection against barbarian raids.
Only in 1405 Verona became the property of Venice. The city began to grow at lightning speed.
And in 1796 Verona passed into the hands of Napoleon. Only in 1866 the city returned to Italian ownership.
Sights of Verona for independent visiting
What to visit in Verona? The most popular attractions in Verona among tourists:
Verona Amphitheater
Verona Amphitheater One of the most ancient architectural monuments of Verona is the Amphitheater building. This is an elegant structure made of pink marble. Currently, numerous opera concerts are held within the walls of the Amphitheater. In addition, interesting excursions are held here for tourists.
Ponte Pietra Bridge
Ponte Pietra Bridge A long ancient bridge, like a rainbow, spans the Adige River. On one side of the bridge there is an old guard tower. During the Great Patriotic War, the bridge was blown up, but it was restored again.
Juliet's House
Juliet's House Juliet's House is of great interest to tourists. The Italians claim that it was in this house that the beautiful Juliet once lived. This is the most romantic place in Verona. Wedding ceremonies are often held in the house. The entire balcony of the building is hung with numerous ribbons and locks.
Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe One of the most favorite places for tourists is Piazza delle Erbe. Magnificent old buildings are located along the entire perimeter of the square. These are majestic buildings reminiscent of the Renaissance. Here tourists can stroll through souvenir shops, visit one of the cafes and enjoy national Italian cuisine.
Lamberti Tower
Lamberti Tower A steep stone staircase leads to the very top of the Lamberti Tower. From here you have a breathtaking view of the entire city. Picturesque streets and neighborhoods attract the attention of many tourists.
Castelvecchio Castle
Castelvecchio Castle This is an ancient medieval castle. Currently, a huge historical museum is located within its walls. Here, unique coins, paintings and canvases by famous Italian painters are on display for tourists.
Giusti Garden
Lovers of a quiet, relaxing holiday will enjoy the picturesque garden of Verona - Giusti, made in the Renaissance style. A huge number of citrus trees, original flower beds and unique sculptures can be seen in the garden.
Shopping in Verona Italy
Italy, as you know, is one of the world's trendsetters. The city of Verona is no exception. Many boutiques, shops and supermarkets are located throughout the city. Fashionable Italian shoes, which are produced in Verona, are famous for their quality throughout the world.
Italian Cuisine
Verona's luxurious restaurants and cozy cafes attract a huge number of tourists. The aromatic dishes of national Italian cuisine will not leave many tourists indifferent.
Verona ski resorts:
Andalo ski resort. 1.5 hours from the city of Verona
Ski resort Madonna di Campiglio. 2 hours from the city of Verona
Reminder for tourists
Verona has an advantageous location.
You can get to the city by plane. There is a large international airport near Verona. You can get there from the airport by bus.
The city can also be reached by train. The train station is located one and a half kilometers from Verona.
You can take a taxi or rent your own car.
