When many think of an old bridge in Italy, Ponte Vecchio in Florence comes to mind. Although the name means Old Bridge, the covered bridge crossing the Arno River and housing jewelry shops is a picturesque icon.
For me, my special old bridge is Ponte della Maddalena (Bridge of Mary Magdalene) crossing the Serchio River just south of Bagni di Lucca. Built during the medieval period, this unique walking bridge made of stone is one I had to revisit. It’s specialness is partially due to its look and location between the lands of my paternal and maternal sides of my family, but I also have pictures, postcards, and a framed etching of this bridge. Interestingly, this landmark is actually better known as Ponte del Diavolo – Devil’s Bridge.
The ancient bridge carries a legend. My research shows various versions, but with commonalities. In order to complete the bridge, whoever made a deal with the devil, but in return, the devil wanted the life of the first to cross the bridge. The devil completed the bridge, so an animal was sent across – which the devil snatched, then angrily left and never to return.
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Even though this area is very scenic, like any river, heavy upriver rains can create a flood. As one can tell, even the torrent water of this late-2012 flood, the bridge remains standing.
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During my recent trip to Italy, I had to see this beautiful legend, just as I last did in 1964 – including a walk to the top for a wave from afar.
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For more photographs for this wonderful landmark
Enjoy these pictures from Debra, a frequent visitor here: One, two, and three.
Cheers to the collection from Google Images.
Beautiful pictures, Frank!
Glad you could recreate the wave.
Sadly, that 60s fashion lasted through the 70s when I got to wear it.
Sigh…
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Guapo,
This bridge is a special place for me … and a wonderful spot for a fashion photo shoot! That to know that you continued the trend!
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Enjoyed this Frank.. that is some bridge and looking at the flood photo a pretty strong one too… trying to work out from the photos is it a stone and mortar bridge,???
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Bulldog,
Seeing the flood pics were an Oh May moment, and a sign of the strength of this stone and mortar structure. As a one with photography skills, hope you saw the link to Google images!
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I love the wave! Great shot
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Kellie,
The water can race through this valley, especially during floods. Interestingly, a dam is a short distance to the south.
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The heaving river just goes to show that maybe the ‘devil’ knew a thing or two about bridge building. I’ve heard that trick before of sending an animal (goat?) before, possibly the same story 🙂
Lovely post.
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Kanerva,
Goat, pig, chicken, or whatever, … I imagine that story has been used more than once. Meanwhile, to withstand the forces from a flood, that has to be one sturdy structure. Hope all is well in Helsinki!
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All is very well in Helsinki and I seem to have my ‘blog game on’ again – plenty of interesting things coming soon 🙂
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Great news … FYI … I’m currently on a project for a couple of more weeks, thus posting less and visiting even less. … but will be over soon … well, I hope!
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That must be why we have the calendar widget or is it the archive?! Hope your project goes well.
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Great images and such a cool story Frank. Do you know when this strange looking bridge was built, i.e., what century?
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Debra Kolkka’s blog says it was built about 1080 – 1100 A. D.
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Thanks Archon … and glad you visited Debra’s wonderful blog!
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Lame,
It is a cool place … and a place one can see on postcards through the area. I believe the last 11th-early 12th century – thus a tad old.
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Just a tad. Thanks Frank.
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🙂
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beautiful bridge… nice story.
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Shimon,
Thank you Shimon … simply an interesting sight to see in a beautiful area.
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now that’s the kind of post I like, lots of culture some cool fashion and wonderful old bridge. My hometown was names after a bridge, so I have a special connection to them – although our’s is not as nice as this one!
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Morgan,
A special welcome to a first-time commenter. Glad you could identify with with this wonderful structure. If you want more about culture and with some personal stories, start here https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/on-where/ … Thanks for stopping by and I hope you return.
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Gorgeous country Frank, and an impressive bridge. So glad you got a chance to go back for a taste of *your* Italy.
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Archon,
It was a wonderful trip and a chance to rekindle many memories while adding new ones.
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Funny thing about bridges… There is a bridge in Greece [Bridge of Arta] which has a similar legend. “All day they were building it, and in the night it would collapse.” [from a folk song], so the chief worker had to sacrifice his wife! [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_Arta]
Great post and photos, Frank.
🙂
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Marina,
Thanks for sharing the Bridge of Arta. I went to Google images and wow … cool pics!
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What an incredible bridge. It’s hard to imagine anything being that old. Australia is a relatively new country and we just don’t have architecture dating back any further than 200 years. So I’m in awe that something built so long ago with no use of power tools or today’s engineering skills has stood the test of time – what brilliant people they were, those born in medieval times xx
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Spiced,
We American’s have the same issue when it comes to oldness, which is one of the reasons my wife and I enjoy Europe. Well said about the brilliance of their time.
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Wonderful bridge, love the fashion statement. My brother and I have recreated some of our childhood photos from throughout Europe, it is fun to compare them. Those fashion statements, what our parents did to us!
The ability to create and stand the test of time, amazing.
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Val,
Cheers to you for appreciating the fashion statement. 😉 … so I’m glad to know that this also rekindled your memories.
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What a beautiful old bridge, Frank. Love your photos. Waving back at you. 😀
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Paradise,
I always appreciate your waves … many thanks!
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Frank, thanks so much for taking me along to Italy. I’ve missed the place.
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Elyse,
Glad you been able to come along!
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What great photos! You should frame the set (including the one of you). Can’t wait to talk to you about the details of your trip.
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Tim,
This is one of my favorite spots … and the setting going upriver is awesome!
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Really cool bridge, Frank! Thanks for sharing the photos and your history with it. It has certainly stood the test of time. I so enjoy your blog because I always learn something new. Thank you! And I’m glad you got to spend some time there during your Italian quest.
Cathy
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Cathy,
Glad you enjoyed this and thanks for the kind words. As you have also learned, creative fiction isn’t my style (and I applaud those who can).
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Lovely pics, Frank.
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Rogue,
Glad you liked these and good seeing you again!
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It is a great bridge. I always stare in wonder every time I go past…usually a few times a week. I love your wave.
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Debra,
You certainly spend time in one of the beautiful regions of the world. Besides, I rely on you keeping me up to date!
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Amazing how little the back grounds have changed in the pictues over the years. Smashing looking bridge, it’s a bit ugly but somehow just in it’s place sitting nicely. I bet they don’t have sail boats or barges needing that much clerance any more.
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Bill,
Gotta wonder about the reason behind the design. After all, the water level had to be much lower back in the day because there is a damn a short distance downriver.
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Great fashion statement 🙂 And the last picture is fabulous.
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Fasab,
That last pic is definitely fitting for a postcard!
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Frank, what a gorgeous bridge and fond memories to go with it. Thanks for sharing.
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Bumble,
It’s a great sight in a beautiful location. Glad you enjoyed this.
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Great photos and fun memories. I love the picture of you as a young boy on the bridge, and don’t we all have some at about that age with the mismatched plaids! It’s a treasure to have that photo! The bridge and waterways are so beautiful and extra special for what they mean to you!
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Debra,
It seems a good many of us were fashion trendsetters back in the day! 😉 This is a beautiful area, and as one heads further into the valley, the more beautiful it gets! So if you ever make it to Lucca, travel north!
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such living in before century!! its nice experince
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Hello Winny!
Definitely old, thus only wide enough for a cart … but still a treasure.
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its dffrnt with my town, take alook here frank http://winnyradc.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/save-our-planet-by-principle-of-think-eat-save/ how this environment so bad!!
thats bridge is worth and hysorically such in movie!!
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Thanks …. and on my way.
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Wow! Gotta go to Italy!
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Steve,
You will have to start your cyber-journey here … https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/on-where/ … but work forward.
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I am astonished by the water at flood and curious to know how those different levels occur. BTW, I love your contrasting patterns in 1964. I know they’re supposed to be a no-no but their boldness and your casualness in them, work for me.
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Cuttlefish,
This river originates in the mountains, so the mountains must have had much river! Interestingly, there is a dam a short distance below the bridge. Simply a bit of contrast in their eras! …. and thanks for supporting the fashion statement. 😉
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I loved the photos. As to the fashion statement, I kid you not, but I just returned from NYC and if you stroll down 5th ave you would see this combination. I am serious! Which only proves the point that if you wait long enough everything will be fashionable again:) Not sure about the size though…
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Rachel,
Ah ha … I was simply many years ahead of the trend … then again, maybe this post sparked a trend. 😉 But I doubt if those on 5th Ave in February had the shorts. 😉
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Yes, they did! They had spring cloths in the middle of this cold winter.
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LOL …. that settles it … the designers are into retro!
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lovely pics and story – sounds like you had a really good trip. Seeing all those places and people like that must give you a sense of connectedness and your own place in history.
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Charie!!!!
How and the heck have you been? For the posts I noticed that you’ve seen, you have sensed my connective nature on this trip. 48 years is a long time, so overdue is not strong enough. I’ll check in at your place once my project is over.
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I love this, Frank. What an interesting bridge with such an interesting story. Did you ever find out what kind of animal was sent across? The pictures are wonderful, and I envy you walking there. … You look like my little brother in that ’64 picture. Glasses, plaids, and all. 😉
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Maddie,
A special bridge for me indeed. As for the animal, I read different stories with different animals … thus why I provided the generic version. Meanwhile, I take it your little brother was also a fashion trendsetter.
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How fun. Thanks for sharing the early photo of you. I loved it. The last photo is awesome.
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Christine,
That last pic would be a great Christmas card! This was one of my most-fun days.
Here’s the one with the bridge where my mother’s pic. https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/on-a-bridge-walk/
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Great photos and loved the 1964 fashion statement!
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TBM,
The look not only caught on, some say it’s coming back!
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Oh my gosh!! The raging river shot! The shot of you waving from the bridge!! The last image! WOW!
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Zannyro,
This is a special place for me as I love this bridge. That last one is card worthy!
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Oh it is SO card worthy…just drop dead gorgeous 🙂
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What a wonderful bridge! I’ve never seen one like that before. I really like that shot of you in 1964, and that last one is stunning.
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Robin,
Truly a special place for me, and believe me, the drive northward is photo opp after photo opp. And yes – that last one is outstanding!
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guess we can give the devil the credit for building such a great bridge that still stands today…but the best thing about this story is how you got to see it again in a different time frame. fab fashion model by the way…☺
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Sunshine,
Many years have passed and it’s still the same glorious structure … and special, too. Meanwhile, mismatching is in during those years.
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Mismatching & going around in sleepwear, a common fashion attire these days…well, what I see in Walmart, that is…😊
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Simply evidence that I was a trend setter long before the trend.
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/smiles
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