Ponte Azzone Visconti, Medieval road bridge in Lecco, Italy
Ponte Azzone Visconti spans the Adda River with eleven stone arches, connecting the eastern and western sides of Lecco. The structure carries two vehicle lanes and features a dedicated pedestrian path.
The bridge was built between 1336 and 1338 under Azzone Visconti's direction, originally featuring eight arches along with defensive towers and drawbridges. It was later expanded and modified, resulting in the eleven-arch structure visible today.
The bridge appears in Alessandro Manzoni's novel "The Betrothed," marking a significant location where the lake transforms into the river. Its presence in literature shows how deeply it is woven into local identity and storytelling.
The bridge is easy to cross on foot during daylight, with the pedestrian path offering stable footing over the river. Views from both sides stretch across the water and surrounding landscape, making it a straightforward route through the city.
Some researchers suggest Leonardo da Vinci may have painted this bridge during his time in the Adda Valley, possibly depicting it in the background of the Mona Lisa. While this theory remains speculative, it creates an intriguing link between the famous artwork and the local landmark.
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