Ponte Coperto: Pavia's Enduring Landmark

Ponte Coperto, also known as the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), is a renowned brick and stone arch bridge in Pavia, Italy. Spanning the Ticino River, it links the historic center with the Borgo Ticino district. The bridge is a reconstruction completed in 1951, replacing the original 14th-century structure that was heavily damaged during World War II. The bridge's history stretches back to Roman times, with evidence of a Roman bridge existing on the same site. The medieval bridge, built in 1354, featured ten irregular arches and defensive towers. It was covered, giving it the name 'Covered Bridge'. A flood in 1825 destroyed the roof, which was never rebuilt. During WWII, Allied action significantly damaged the bridge, leading to its partial collapse in 1947. The current bridge maintains the design of its predecessor but with five wider arches. An epigraph at the entrance commemorates its rebuilding by the Italian Republic. According to local legend, the devil initially built the bridge in exchange for the first soul to cross it. However, the Archangel Michael outsmarted him, and only a goat crossed it first. Today, the Ponte Coperto provides picturesque views of the Ticino River and Pavia's skyline.