Real Ferdinando Bridge, Iron suspension bridge in Minturno, Italy
The Real Ferdinando Bridge is an iron suspension structure crossing the Garigliano River, with metal cables suspended from above supporting the roadway below. The engineering uses a catenary system where cables hang in a natural curve, distributing weight along the entire structure.
The bridge was built in 1832 under King Ferdinand II and became Italy's first catenary suspension structure with cables. It marked a turning point in engineering practices and opened new possibilities for crossing wide river spans.
The bridge forms part of the Italian national museum network, attracting engineers and historians who study early 19th-century infrastructure development.
The bridge is accessible through marked walking paths across the site. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for visiting, as the pathways are easy to navigate.
The structure retains its original cable system from the 19th century, which engineers later used as a model for bridge projects across Europe. These early techniques laid the foundation for modern suspension bridge construction.
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