Ponte Pietra (Stone Bridge), Verona (must see)

Stone Bridge is the oldest bridge in Verona and one of the most impressive surviving Roman structures in the city. First built in the 1st century BC, it provided access across the Adige River at a strategic point where the current bends naturally, offering protection to much of the early settlement. Its name derives from the Latin Pons Lapideus, meaning “Stone Bridge”, distinguishing it from the earlier wooden bridges that were often destroyed by seasonal floods.

The bridge originally featured five arches constructed from large blocks of white limestone, a typical Roman building material. Over time, floods and warfare led to repeated damage and numerous repairs using different techniques and materials. This explains the striking contrast visible today between the Roman stone arches and the later red brickwork.

Only two arches on the left side remain largely from the Roman period. The two right-side arches were reconstructed in the Scaliger era, while the central arch dates to Venetian times. A defensive watchtower was added during the Middle Ages, controlling movement across the bridge and guarding the northern entrance to the city.

The Roman design included a pronounced central arch, giving the bridge a slightly raised, donkey-back profile that improved resistance to flooding by allowing high water to pass underneath more easily. The structure also included small drainage openings to relieve pressure during periods of high flow from the Adige River.

During World War II, retreating German troops destroyed the bridge in 1945. Fortunately, it was carefully reconstructed in 1957, using as many original stones as possible retrieved from the river. Today, Stone Bridge continues to serve pedestrians and remains one of the most scenic viewpoints in Verona, beautifully linking the historic center with the Roman Theatre and hills of Veronetta across the river.