Ponte degli Alpini
The Ponte degli Alpini is a covered wooden bridge in Bassano del Grappa that crosses the Brenta River and is also known as Ponte Vecchio. It consists of five sections of approximately 43 feet (13 meters) each, supported by wooden pilings, and features a simple yet sturdy design first conceived by architect Andrea Palladio in 1569.
The bridge was first recorded over 800 years ago and has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since its conception in 1569. A particularly devastating flood in 1748 and 20th-century war damage led to major reconstructions, yet the original Palladio design was carefully preserved each time.
The bridge takes its name from the Alpini soldiers who rebuilt it after World War II, honoring their contribution to the community. Today it serves as more than a crossing, as locals and visitors recognize it as a symbol of the town's resilience and shared memory.
Crossing on foot or by bicycle is straightforward since the bridge sits in the town center within walking distance and is well signposted. The covered structure provides shelter from rain, and nearby there are restaurants, shops, and a museum with historical exhibits to explore.
The Nardini distillery next to the bridge is Italy's oldest, founded in the late 1700s, where visitors can see traditional grappa production. This working distillery gives the area a lived history where craft traditions and the bridge's heritage exist side by side.
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