Real Ferdinando Bridge

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.

Location: Minturno

Inception: 1832

Address: Via Ferdinando Ii di Borbone 1052, 04026 Minturno

Website: http://sabap_lazio.beniculturali.it/index.php?it/312/ponte-real-ferdinando-a-minturno-lt

GPS coordinates: 41.24222,13.77222

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:51