Acquedotto medievale, Medieval aqueduct in Salerno, Italy.
Acquedotto medievale is a water transport system in Salerno with two main branches connected by stone arches at different heights. Some sections run above ground while others are buried beneath the surface.
This structure was built in the 9th century during Lombard rule and originally served to bring water to the Benedictine monastery. Its construction demonstrates the engineering skill of that medieval period.
Local stories gave this structure the name Ponte del Diavolo because people believed an alchemist named Pietro Barliario used supernatural help to build it. These tales reveal how the community saw the massive engineering work as something beyond ordinary human capability.
Different sections of this structure are accessible from various points throughout the city due to how it is distributed across Salerno. Walking around the city allows you to spot and observe portions of both the above-ground and underlying parts.
This medieval work was among the first places in Europe where pointed arches were used in architectural design. This engineering approach would later become a hallmark of gothic architecture.
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