Ponte delle Torri – Spoleto

Description

The Ponte delle Torri is an arched bridge derived from a Roman aqueduct located in Spoleto (PG). The imposing limestone structure is about 230m long and 80m high and connects colle Sant'Elia to Monteluco. Its current appearance dates to the mid 14^th century when the entire area underwent profound changes due to the construction initiatives promoted by Cardinal Albornoz. The bridge had a double purpose: to link the fortress (colle Sant'Elia) with the fortilizio dei Mulini (fortress in Monteluco) and also to bring water from the springs of Cortaccione to the city. The structural mass is articulated in nine pylons connected by ogival arches, the two highest pylons are hollow, like bonafide towers, and probably were used as guard posts. The bases of the two middle pylons allude to an earlier construction (Roman period and 12^th century).

Position on map