What if these stones could talk? The Resti del Ponte Coperto holds stories of Pavia’s past. We stand amidst the remnants of a bridge. This bridge once connected the city. It linked the historic center to Borgo Ticino. Borgo Ticino was once home to washerwomen, fishermen and boatmen.
The current Ponte Coperto was rebuilt between the late 1940s and early 1950s. This reconstruction followed the destruction of the medieval covered bridge. Allied forces heavily damaged the old bridge during World War II. The modern bridge mirrors the structure of its predecessor. The older bridge was built in the second half of the 14th century. It replaced an even earlier Roman bridge.
The medieval bridge differed from today’s version. It had seven arches instead of five. Towers with drawbridges stood at each end. These remnants we see are traces of the medieval bridge. Remains of the ancient Roman bridge lie further upstream.
The Ponte Coperto is a symbol of Pavia. It stands over the Ticino River. The original bridge played a vital role. It connected the two shores of what was then Ticinum. It served as a gateway within the city walls. The southern end led to the Borgo Ticino district outside the walls.
Legend says the Devil himself forged the bridge. He offered to build it on Christmas Eve. Boats struggled to cross the river due to thick fog. The Devil demanded the first soul to cross as payment. The people of Pavia tricked him. They sent a goat across first.
Albert Einstein also walked this bridge. He spent time in Pavia as a teenager in 1894. He strolled with his sister Maja and friend Ernestina Marangoni. He remembered the “beautiful bridge of Pavia” fondly.
During World War II Allied raids targeted the city. The bridge collapsed on the last day of bombing. The arch facing Borgo crumbled. The structure became unusable. The inhabitants of Pavia were forced to demolish one of their historical symbols. The bridge was rebuilt a few meters downstream. Some remains of the medieval construction are still visible.
The chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk was rebuilt as well. The original statue was recovered from the river. It was restored and placed in the new chapel. Saint John guards the bridge as he did in the past.
Today’s Ponte Coperto keeps the memory of its origins alive. It links past and future generations. It stands as a testament to Pavia’s rich history and resilience.