Ponte del Diavolo, bridge in Italy
The Ponte del Diavolo is a stone arch bridge in Tolentino with five identically shaped arches and sturdy pillars topped by a fortified tower. The structure dates from the 13th century and is known for its stability, with a small religious chapel built on the central pillar in 1524.
The bridge was built in 1268 by Mastro Bentivegna to connect different parts of the town across the Chienti river. During World War II, soldiers destroyed one of the central arches in 1944, but the structure was restored to its original form after the war.
The name "Ponte del Diavolo" comes from a local legend about a pact with the devil. The people of Tolentino connect this place to old stories and view it as a symbol of their town's history, with the small chapel on the central pillar and its image of Mary serving as a place of devotion.
The best way to reach the bridge is via the nearby Via del Ponte street in the town center. The site is easily accessible on foot, with a small park beneath the bridge that invites lingering and walking.
A local legend tells that Saint Nicholas saved the construction from the devil by luring a dog to cross the bridge first, making it the first creature to pass over. This story made the bridge a special and mysterious place in the region's folklore.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
