Ponte Della Maddalena: History on the Serchio

Ponte Della Maddalena is located in Borgo a Mozzano in the Serchio Valley, on the left bank of the Serchio River. The structure combines an impressive riverside setting with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. If you would like to combine culture, architecture, and landscape on your trip to Italy, the bridge offers a tangible starting point for exploring Borgo a Mozzano and the Garfagnana.

A bridge with medieval connections for travellers

Around the year 1000, the bridge was built so that travellers and pilgrims could reach Lucca and join the Via Francigena, which led to Rome. The construction was probably commissioned by Countess Matilde di Canossa. At the beginning of the 14th century, Castruccio Castracani restored Ponte Della Maddalena. The bridge takes its name from a wayside chapel dating from the 16th century that no longer exists today.

Humpback profile and eventful construction history

Ponte Della Maddalena has the classic profile of a humpback bridge with asymmetrical arches. The central main arch is more than 18 metres high, while the bridge as a whole measures more than 90 metres. These proportions define the structure’s appearance and also make its construction interesting for visitors who would like to explore historic architecture in greater depth.

The bridge’s history also includes several changes. A flood severely damaged Ponte Della Maddalena in 1836. At the beginning of the 20th century, a new arch was opened on its right side to allow the train to pass. Under Article 10 of Italian Legislative Decree No. 42 of 22 January 2004 on the protection of cultural and landscape heritage, Ponte Della Maddalena is of cultural interest.

A riverside legend and activities in the Serchio Valley

The bridge is associated with a local legend: the Devil is said to have completed Ponte Della Maddalena in exchange for the soul of the first creature to cross it. The builders then sent a goat across the bridge to circumvent the pact. The story adds a motif to the factual construction history that also makes the site vivid for families and travellers interested in culture.

A packrafting tour is offered on the Serchio River; it is suitable for families and beginners and ends at Ponte del Diavolo. Alongside the architecture, this adds a water-based activity as a possible element of a trip. The Via Matildica del Volto Santo leaves Borgo a Mozzano; the distinctive Ponte Della Maddalena is associated with this route name.

Regional cuisine and an October event

The regional side of the trip includes products from the Garfagnana. Biroldo is a traditional sausage from the Garfagnana made exclusively from the pig’s head. Farina di Neccio DOP is a product of the regional tradition made from chestnuts. At the end of October, the Halloween Celebration takes place in the municipality of Borgo a Mozzano; Halloween night on 31 October is listed as the main event.

Choosing accommodation to suit your travel plans

When choosing your hotel for a trip to Borgo a Mozzano, you can decide what to focus on during your days: the medieval history and architecture of Ponte Della Maddalena, the Serchio, the routes associated with the area, or the specialities of the Garfagnana. If you are looking for a water-based activity with children or without much prior experience, the packrafting tour on offer is explicitly suitable for families and beginners. At the end of October, the Halloween Celebration can also be a reason to choose your travel dates specifically for this event.

If you would like to consider other places in the same destination area when planning your trip, you can also check Diecimo, Gioviano, San Donato, and Valdottavo.

For the overall travel overview: Borgo A Mozzano.