Ponte della Maddalena, also known as Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), is a medieval bridge located in the town of Borgo a Mozzano in the province of Lucca, Tuscany, Italy. The bridge spans the Serchio river and is renowned for its unique design and beautiful setting.
The bridge was built in the 11th century and was part of the ancient Via Francigena, a major pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome. Its construction is attributed to the Countess Matilda of Tuscany, who commissioned it as a means of connecting her lands in the north with the rest of her domains.
The bridge is made of local stone and consists of three arches, the largest of which has a span of over 37 meters. The arches are supported by a series of pointed stone piers that rise out of the riverbed, giving the bridge its distinctive appearance. The bridge's unique design is said to be the result of a pact with the devil, which is the reason for its popular name.
Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone several renovations and repairs, including extensive restoration work in the 19th century. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the region's medieval heritage. The surrounding area is also known for its natural beauty, with the Serchio river flowing through a lush valley of hills and forests.
Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy the views of the river and the surrounding landscape, or explore the town of Borgo a Mozzano and its other historic landmarks. The bridge is also a popular spot for photography and is frequently used as a location for films and television shows set in medieval Italy.