Ponte di Mezzo, Arch bridge in central Pisa, Italy.
Ponte di Mezzo is an 89-meter arch spanning the Arno River in central Pisa with a single 72-meter span made of reinforced concrete. The structure's sides feature white Verona stone cladding and it connects Piazza Garibaldi in the north to Piazza XX Settembre in the south.
The original bridge at this location was destroyed in 1944 during World War II, leaving the city without its main river crossing. The current structure was built in 1950 following a public referendum on its design, marking a reconstruction effort for the damaged city.
The bridge serves as the venue for the Gioco del Ponte, a traditional competition held each June where teams from the northern and southern parts of the city push a heavy cart across it. This event reflects an ongoing rivalry between the two districts and remains central to local identity.
The bridge connects two major central squares and is open to both pedestrians and vehicles, making daily crossings a frequent experience for those in the area. The walkways are spacious enough for comfortable passage, and the location allows visitors to enjoy views of the river and surrounding city as they cross.
The bridge stands approximately 12.5 meters above the Arno and marks the exact point where Pisa traditionally divided into two separate communities. This geographic boundary is more than just a physical separation, it reflects a deep historical split that remains visible today through local activities like the Gioco del Ponte.
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