Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge), Rome

Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge), Rome

Ponte Sisto, located in Rome's historic center, is a picturesque bridge that spans the Tiber River. The construction of the current bridge took place between 1473 and 1479, commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV, who the bridge is named after. The architect Baccio Pontelli was responsible for the design, utilizing the foundations of the previous Roman bridge, known as Pons Aurelius or Pons Antoninus, which had been destroyed during the early Middle Ages.

Today, Ponte Sisto is solely dedicated to pedestrian traffic, creating a serene and enjoyable crossing experience. One of the distinctive architectural features of the bridge is the "oculus" or eye that lightens the masonry of its central spandrel. This addition was strategically erected to alleviate the pressure exerted by the river during times of flooding, ensuring the bridge's stability and longevity.

On the left side of the bridge's entrance, you can find replicas of two marble slabs that originally adorned the bridge. These slabs, unfortunately removed in the 1990s due to ongoing vandalism, displayed an elegant Latin inscription composed by Renaissance humanist Bartolomeo Platina. The inscription honored Pope Sixtus IV and commemorated the construction of the bridge.

Ponte Sisto serves as a vital link between the lively Campo de' Fiori area and Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere. It offers a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, scenic views of the Tiber River, and a charming ambiance that attracts both locals and tourists. The bridge has become an iconic landmark in Rome, serving as a gathering place for people to enjoy an evening aperitivo or simply soak in the beauty of the Eternal City.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) on Map

Sight Name: Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called ‘Tridente’ is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city – a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word “palace” – indicating the emperor’s residence (“Palatium”), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Holy Sites Walking Tour

Holy Sites Walking Tour

As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.

Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.

The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

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