Ponte di Mezzo (Middle Bridge), Pisa

The Middle Bridge spans the River Arno at roughly the center of Pisa, linking the northern and southern parts of the historic city. Bridges have crossed this point for centuries. A wooden Roman bridge once stood nearby, later replaced by stone in the 11th century. Over time, floods, collapse, and rebuilding reshaped the structure, and the elegant arched bridge that stood here in earlier centuries was destroyed during World War II bombing in 1944.

The bridge seen today was completed in 1950. Built of reinforced concrete and covered with pale Verona stone, it stretches about 89 meters and is defined by a single wide arch. At its four corners stand marble spheres preserved from the earlier bridge, small reminders of what once stood here. In the center of the pavement, the Pisan cross is set in white stone, marking the symbolic heart of the crossing.

The Middle Bridge is also closely tied to one of Pisa’s most energetic traditions. Each June, the bridge becomes the stage for the Gioco del Ponte, or Bridge Game, part of the city’s historic celebrations. Teams from the northern and southern districts compete by pushing a heavy cart along tracks across the bridge, reenacting centuries-old rivalry in a dramatic public spectacle.