Pons Aemilius: Rome's Broken Bridge

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Explore the poignant ruins of Rome's oldest stone bridge, the Pons Aemilius, a symbol of resilience and ancient engineering on the Tiber River.

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Pons Aemilius

The Pons Aemilius, also known as Ponte Rotto (Broken Bridge), is the oldest Roman stone bridge in Rome. Originally built in the 2nd century BC, only one arch remains today, a testament to ancient Roman engineering.

A brief summary to Pons Aemilius

Via di Ponte Rotto, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00186, IT
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and the best lighting for photos.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Tiber River nearby for a complete experience.
Observe the bridge from Ponte Palatino for the best views.

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Getting There

Walking

Pons Aemilius is easily accessible by foot from Rome's city center. From Piazza Venezia, walk along Via del Teatro Marcello towards the Tiber River. Cross the Ponte Palatino, and you'll see the remains of Pons Aemilius just downstream on your right. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

From Termini Station, take Bus line 170 towards the city center and get off at the Bocca della Verità stop. From there, walk along the Lungotevere towards Ponte Palatino; the Pons Aemilius will be visible on your right. A single ticket for public transport costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Rome. Simply enter "Pons Aemilius, Via di Ponte Rotto, 00186 Roma RM" as your destination. A short trip from the city center will likely cost between €10-€15, depending on traffic and distance.

Discover more about Pons Aemilius

The Pons Aemilius, or Ponte Rotto, stands as a poignant reminder of ancient Rome's engineering prowess and the relentless forces of nature. Constructed as the city's first stone bridge in 142 BC, it replaced an earlier wooden structure, connecting the Forum Boarium with Trastevere. Over the centuries, the bridge faced numerous challenges, including floods and wars, leading to repeated repairs and reconstructions. Despite these efforts, a devastating flood in 1598 swept away several arches, leaving it in a state of disrepair. The bridge was then abandoned and became known as "Ponte Rotto". In 1887, most of the bridge was destroyed to make room for the Ponte Palatino, leaving only one arch remaining. Today, the solitary arch of the Pons Aemilius stands as a symbol of resilience and a window into Rome's rich history. Visitors can admire the ancient stonework and imagine the bustling activity that once crossed this vital artery of the city.