Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, Arch bridge connecting Vatican City to historic Rome, Italy
Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II is an arch bridge spanning the Tiber with three large arches supported by white marble columns positioned in the riverbed. The crossing extends roughly 110 meters and connects the Vatican side with central Rome in a straightforward route.
Architect Ennio de Rossi designed the bridge in 1886, and construction took many years before it opened in 1911. This project arose during Rome's period of modernization and expansion into new areas.
Bronze sculptures frame the bridge's ends, representing values tied to national identity and purpose. These artworks show how the crossing was meant to symbolize unity between different areas of Rome.
The bridge is open for pedestrians and vehicles at all times, providing direct access between the Vatican area and central Rome. You can walk across it freely as part of exploring the riverbanks or use it as a convenient passage between different neighborhoods.
The leftmost arch reveals ancient Roman pier foundations from the former Pons Neronianus underneath the riverbed. These submerged remains give a glimpse of earlier crossing points that existed long before this modern bridge was built.
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