Ponte Romano, Archaeological site and Roman bridge in Parma, Italy.
Ponte Romano is an ancient bridge crossing the Parma River with eleven arches of varying sizes. The structure dates originally from the first century before Christ but was altered and repaired multiple times over the centuries.
The structure was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus and served commerce and communication for centuries. In the 5th century it underwent major reconstruction under King Theodoric, incorporating new and reclaimed materials.
The bridge shows how Romans designed river crossings and the techniques they employed for such structures. Visitors can see today how these works shaped daily life in antiquity, moving people and goods across the water.
The site is easy to reach and explore, though it offers few facilities directly at the structure itself. Visitors should be cautious in wet weather, as the surface can become slippery and the construction is older than modern bridges.
In 1177 a major flood caused a dramatic shift: the river altered its course and flowed westward around the bridge. Since then the ancient structure stands visibly above dry land, completely changing its function from its first centuries of use.
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