Ponte Scaligero (Scaligero Bridge), Verona (must see)

The Scaligero Bridge, also known as the Castelvecchio Bridge, is a remarkable three-arch span crossing the Adige River. Built around 1354 and 1356 by the Scaliger family, it served a vital defensive purpose as a swift escape route from the Old Castle toward the protection of the family’s allies in Tyrol, where ruler Cangrande II’s son-in-law held influence. Today, its elevated walkway provides stunning views of Verona and the river winding through the city.

Stretching roughly 120 meters, the bridge is one of Verona’s most photographed landmarks and remains a popular pedestrian route. The original structure was destroyed in 1945 by retreating German troops during World War II, but a meticulous reconstruction in the 1950s reused a significant portion of the recovered stonework, restoring the bridge closely to its medieval appearance. During reconstruction, archaeologists documented original Roman foundations beneath parts of the structure, highlighting the strategic importance of this river crossing long before the Scaligers’ fortifications.

Its fortified design — red brick battlements above and white stone below — gives the impression of a fortress set across the river. A charming local legend claims that the Lord of Verona rewarded the bridge’s anonymous engineer with Saint Martin’s sword for his success. Because the bridge was designed wide enough for mounted soldiers to cross quickly, it stood out as one of the most innovative defensive bridges of its time.

By day, the bridge’s crenellations appear bold and powerful, while at night, illuminated against the water, it becomes one of Verona’s most atmospheric and romantic sights. The viewpoint from the bridge also frames Saint Peter’s Castle in the distance, another historically significant hilltop fortification.