Wednesday, 16 March 2016

Hit the brakes, dear! (2)

It seems my Piedmontese tour is not getting off the ground so I’m posting one more Italian appetizer, although not related to Piedmont. A few years ago in April, we were driving northward from the town of Lucca following the river Serchio towards the valley of Garfagnana in northwestern Tuscany. Suddenly this view opened up before our eyes.



This is Ponte della Maddalena near the small town of Borgo a Mazzano. Just like many other ancient bridges in Italy, it is also called Ponte del Diavolo. This striking example of medieval engineering dates back to the 12th century its largest span measuring 37.8m. It has been renovated several times over the centuries. Some one hundred years ago, an arch was added to make space for the riverfront railroad.

I am so lucky hubby is always rather gracious at hitting the brakes at my request. This historical monument is far too fabulous to have been left unrecorded, don’t you think?

Hit the brakes, dear! (1) under this link.


Posted by at
Labels: , ,

10 comments:

  1. Rosemary16 March 2016 at 18:13

    I know that bridge too, and also saw it whilst travelling to lovely Lucca. My husband is very good at hitting the brakes too, they are good to us aren't they?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Teresa16 March 2016 at 18:23

      Aren't we fortunate! My ex-husband wasn't that good at stopping the car unexpectedly but I guess it isn't fair to compare the digital age with the 1980s and 1990s when photographing was completely different.

      Delete
  2. Coastal Ripples16 March 2016 at 19:35

    What a fabulous bridge and to think it is so old. One for my travel must see list. I often have the problem of wanting to stop and photograph something but there's a queue of traffic behind us..very annoying. Back roads in Italy are perfect because they are usually deserted. B x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Teresa16 March 2016 at 20:16

      Indeed. Moreover, we generally travel off season, which adds to the possibilities of suddenly stopping by the roadside.

      Delete
  3. Down by the sea16 March 2016 at 23:35

    You are lucky that your husband hits the brakes as that was a fantastic view to capture. My husband would only be so accommodating if there was somewhere that he could easily pull in. The bridge reminds me of ones I have seen on our holiday in Croatia. Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Teresa17 March 2016 at 01:44

      It is always a joy to see something ancient this well preserved.

      Delete
  4. Amy at love made my home17 March 2016 at 00:05

    Wow, that has to be the most beautiful bridge!! Also the most incredible! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Teresa17 March 2016 at 01:46

      The medieval bridge builders certainly mastered construction engineering.

      Delete
  5. Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie17 March 2016 at 07:45

    It's amazing! Such a lovely setting - love the colorful houses and the pretty hue of the river, too. xx Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Teresa17 March 2016 at 13:22

      We were quite lucky with the sunshine and pleased we happened to be driving on the railroad side of the river.

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)