Bridge of The Madonna (Ponte della Madonna)

The two bridges known as The Madonna (Virgin Mary) and Santa Lucia (or also Castruccio) bridges in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana are among the most important and architecturally significant infrastructures in the region’s historic road system; placed over the Turrite Secca and Serchio rivers, respectively, they facilitated communication and trade, aiding access into the Apennine hinterland.

Both bridges were destroyed in bombings by the German army during the 1945 retreat operations and then faithfully rebuilt at the end of the conflict.

The Bridge of The Madonna, built of sandstone blocks, has two round arches (the one towards the centre of Castelnuovo is wider and consequently has a slight humped course with ascending ramps) with parapets, abutments grafted directly onto the rocky banks of the Turrite stream and a central pier equipped with a sharp cutwater rostrum. The Ponte Santa Lucia, founded earlier than the previous one, is also built in sandstone with two identical round arches but of more majestic proportions, with parapets and central pier with buttress and cutwater rostrum. While the former is only suitable for pedestrians, the latter can also be crossed by small vehicles.