Ponte di Cecco, Roman bridge in Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
The Ponte di Cecco is a Roman arch bridge spanning the Castellano River, constructed from large travertine stone blocks arranged in two unequal arches. The structure connects different parts of the city and shapes the riverbank with its substantial stone form.
This bridge dates to the Roman Republic period, when it formed part of the Via Salaria trade route connecting major commercial centers. Following damage sustained during warfare, it underwent major reconstruction in 1971.
The bridge takes its name from Francesco Stabili, known as Cecco d'Ascoli, a 14th-century physician and poet whose legacy remains part of local memory. This connection to a figure from the city's intellectual past becomes tangible as you walk across.
Access to the bridge is straightforward, as it links two important parts of the city and is reachable from most walking routes. It is best visited during quieter hours when fewer pedestrians are crossing.
The larger arch of the bridge is exactly double the height of the smaller one, revealing the precision Roman engineers applied to their designs. This carefully calculated proportion demonstrates the sophistication of Roman engineering methods from centuries ago.
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