Resti di antico ponte

This is a little piece of Milan’s history that many have overlooked. Resti di antico ponte is a reminder of a time when waterways were the lifeblood of the city. Leonardo Da Vinci was involved in the construction of this bridge, and it is the only remaining part of the Naviglio della Martesana within the Spanish city walls. You can still see the original gate system that was designed by Da Vinci. It is a marvel of engineering and a testament to his ingenuity. The bridge connects two separate waterways: the Naviglio Martesana, built in 1463, and the Cerchia dei Navigli, which was part of the original city’s infrastructure. Da Vinci was commissioned to find a way to create a smooth transition between the two. The difference in height meant that a complex system of locks was required. The bridge was very important in its time, transporting goods from the north of Milan to the south. It was also important to connect to the city’s network of canals. This bridge was a part of that network, connecting both the north and south of the city through this system. The lock system in the bridge allowed boats to transition the change in height. This ancient bridge, like many of Milan’s canals, was buried during a time when Milan was changing. The city had to make room for cars and the modern infrastructure. It seems a shame to have covered up all that history, yet it also reminds you that change is a part of life. You can still see the lock system and the bridge’s arches today, and though it is covered, it is a reminder of the past.