Ponte Leproso, Roman bridge in Benevento, Italy
Ponte Leproso is a Roman bridge crossing the Sabato River with six stone arches built from local materials and traditional Roman techniques. The structure displays the engineering methods Romans used to create durable crossings that have lasted over 2,000 years.
Built in the first century, it was a key crossing on the Via Appia, the ancient road connecting parts of the Roman Empire. Later in medieval times the bridge gained new significance when it served a different function in the city's relationship with those outside its walls.
The name Ponte Leproso refers to medieval times when people with leprosy crossed here outside the city walls. This origin shaped how locals understood the bridge for centuries, creating a lasting connection between the structure and its past community purpose.
The bridge sits at the entrance to Benevento and is easy to reach on foot. Take time to walk around it and view the Roman construction from different angles to appreciate how the arches and stonework fit together.
The large stone blocks are fitted together without mortar, showing the skill of Roman builders who understood how stones could lock in place. This dry-stone method allowed the bridge to survive floods, earthquakes and centuries of use.
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