Verona, Italy Town Skyline on the Adige River with Ponte Pietra at dawn.
Verona, Italy Town Skyline on the Adige River with Ponte Pietra at dawn.

Ponte Pietra

Verona’s oldest bridge has a history that plays out like a Hollywood blockbuster. It was built by the Romans back in 100 BC in order to provide easy access to and from the city’s amphitheatre. Exhilarated by the many savage events held in the arena, thousands would spill across the bridge without thought, requiring it to hold unprecedented weights for the time.

Yet somehow it survived centuries of such use before seeing a partial collapse in 1298, requiring the speedy rebuilding of an arch in order to prevent a loss in trade for the city. Many more centuries passed before the bridge would face its biggest challenge: World War II. As the Germans retreated they dropped enormously strong explosives upon the city, and one such bomb destroyed four of the bridge’s arches. After standing for more than two millennia the bridge was finally closed, but rose again shortly after thanks to a dramatic rebuild using original materials.

Today, the bridge is one of Verona’s top attractions drawing thousands of visitor’s intent on striding across the ancient span of Verona’s oldest bridge.

Recommended on these multi centres

4 day suggested trip

Verona Opera Festival 3 Nights

From £749 per person
ATOL Protected
  • Enjoy an unforgettable night at the opera.
  • Relax in handpicked hotels by our Italy Experts.
  • Sip on an aperitif in Piazza Bra.
  • See the world-famous Juliet’s Balcony.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Verona from Castel San Pietro hill.
  • Eat al fresco in one of Verona’s charming restaurants.
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