Castelvecchio Bridge (Ponte Scaligero)
Corso Castevecchio, 2, Verona, Veneto, 37121
A symbol of Verona, the 14th-century Castelvecchio Bridge (Ponte Scaligero) spanning the Adige River had the largest supporting arch span in the world when it was completed in 1356. The original was destroyed during World War II, but a new bridge was rebuilt with the same red-brick crenellations as its predecessor.
The Basics
This bridge, known both at Castelvecchio Bridge (Ponte di Castelvecchio) and Scaliger Bridge (Ponte Scaligero), connects on one side of the river to the city’s historic castle, from which the bridge gets its name. The bridge is also known as the Scaliger Bridge (Ponte Scaligero in Italian), after the powerful family that ruled Verona in the 1300s. French troops destroyed the tower on one end of the bridge in the late 1700s, and retreating German troops bombed the entire structure during World War II; what stands today in its place is an almost exact replica of the original bridge.
Most walking tours of Verona follow Corso Castelvecchio across the Castelvecchio Bridge to the river’s left bank and the old castle, now home to the Museo di Castelvecchio with a collection of art and weaponry. Private tours include other nearby attractions like Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti) in Piazza delle Erbe, Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta), Piazza Bra, the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, and the Arena di Verona.
Things to Know Before You Go
With no traffic and fortified ramparts, the bridge and castle make for an interesting sight for young kids.
The Castelvecchio Bridge is pedestrian-only, which makes it easier to take your time with photographs of and from the bridge.
Walking tours of Verona cover a lot of ground, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
The bridge is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Verona, one of the most important cities in Italy’s northern region of Veneto, is well connected by train to Milan, Florence, and Venice. The Ponte Scaligero is in the city’s historic center, a short walk from the main train station.
When to Get There
As the setting of one of the greatest love stories of all time—Romeo and Juliet—Verona is particularly lovely to visit on Valentine’s Day, when the city fills with romantics for the Verona in Love festival, and a number of events and exhibitions are held.
The Stone Bridge
Verona’s other famous bridge spanning the Adige is Ponte Pietra, a Roman arch bridge and the oldest bridge in Verona, completed in 100 BC.
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