Viadotto ferroviario di Desenzano, Railway viaduct in Desenzano del Garda, Italy.
The Desenzano railway viaduct is a concrete and stone structure that spans across the Rio Freddo valley as part of the Milan-Venice rail line. The construction combines historical stone pillars with modern concrete sections that were rebuilt following wartime damage.
The viaduct was originally designed between 1850 and 1854 by engineer Luigi Negrelli with stone arches. Following wartime destruction, the structure was restored in 1947 using concrete components.
Locals call the structure simply the Desenzano viaduct, a landmark on the Milan–Venice line. Its 17 pointed arches were meant to echo Gothic cathedrals and keep a view of Lake Garda open for travellers arriving from Lonato. The original piers, abutments and wing walls in Verona stone and brick still stand beside the 1947 concrete spans.
The viaduct crosses the Rio Freddo valley between Desenzano and Lonato, on the Milan-Venice line, and trains still run over it, so it is seen from outside rather than walked on. The surviving stone piers, abutments and wing walls of the original structure can be picked out at the base, contrasting with the concrete arches above. The best general views are from the valley floor and the surrounding fields, looking up at the roughly 30-metre-high spans.
The 17 pointed arches and 16 piers keep the original 1854 proportions: same number of portals, height and span. Only the piers, abutments and wing walls survive in Verona stone, Rezzato marble, brick and early Portland cement; the arches above them are 1947 reinforced concrete.
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