Then and now, Ponte delle Catene

Ponte delle Catene, the chain suspension bridge that connects Fornoli and Chifenti is now a pedestrian bridge. It was commissioned by Carlo Ludovico in 1840 after the original stone bridge dating from 1317 was washed away in a flood.

Here are some old photos.

 

Ponte Catene

Ponte Catene

Ponte Catene

Lorenzo Nottolini was the architect. He erected arches reminiscent of Roman Triumphal arches on either side of the river. The wooden roadway  was destroyed by retreating Germans in WWII. It was replaced in 1950.

This is a photo of the bridge during the reconstruction. (Thank you to Alessandro for the correction)

Ponte Catene

Today the bridge is still impressive.

Ponte Catene

Ponte Catene

Ponte Catene

Ponte Catene

Ponte Catene

Ponte Catene

There are excellent views to be had from the bridge.

Ponte Catene

Ponte Catene

…just another of the treasures in Bagni di Lucca.

11 thoughts on “Then and now, Ponte delle Catene

  1. It is a beautiful bridge, but then, Notolini was a great architect. In Lucca he has a street, near the railway station, dedicated to his memory. And his family home can be seen in the old part of town.

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  3. It’s important to note there was a gap of over thirty years between the completion of the stone portals and the suspension of the chains. This fact is noted in an inscription on the portals.

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