Serravalle di Bronte bridge

The Sicilian town of Bronte, Located in province of Catania, houses a very ancient bridge capable of taking you back in time. It's about the Serravalle Bridge, capable of depicting a kind of painting depicting a scene from the past. Despite its rustic beauty, the structure is still at its best today. There is nothing left to do but to discover an ancient and at the same time modern project.

History and legend of the Serravalle di Bronte bridge

Around the construction of the Serravalle bridge turns a legend still handed down today. In ancient times, the structure represented an important link with neighboring countries. It made the viability of citizens fluid and safe and was considered as a major public work. Count Ruggero took care of it to realize the importance of a similar work, with construction dating back to 1121 and dedicated to his mother Adelasia, who died three years earlier.

There is a date embedded in the bridge still clearly legible today, which refers precisely to 1121. But what legend has meant that this bridge is still an object of admiration?
It is said that several Saracen employees were hired to build this bridge, and that a Sicilian would have decided the exact point at which this bridge was to be erected. He placed his feet in the water and indicated where the bridge should be created. To this, it should be added that the word Saracen means giant, and therefore for the people the work would have been accomplished by numerous giants.

The most important architectural features of the Serravalle di Bronte bridge

The bridge of Norman origin is located on a lava stone base, next to the ancient Church of the Placa di Serravalle. Nearby, the remains of a water mill are clearly visible, making the overall scenario truly unique. Not surprisingly, even today, the bridge is a destination for many tourists.

The town of Bronte is quite arid and bare, but full of charm. From the Serravalle bridge you can admire a certain very particular panorama, that of the lava bed of the Simeto. Furthermore, the structure of the bridge tells us that the Normans were great builders. The piers that make up the bridge are hydrodynamic in shape, a daring idea for those times. These piles have the ability to raise medieval arches.

What to do near the Serravalle di Bronte bridge

Just move a little from the Serravalle di Bronte bridge to get to know the town of the same name, famous nationwide thanks to the famous pistachio. From Nelson Castle at the Capizzi College, there is no shortage of opportunities to have an interesting experience. Also not to be missed is the megalith of Balze Soprane, as well as religious buildings such as the Church of the Holy Trinity and Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata. All to be admired is the Balze Sottane waterfall, without forgetting the many places that offer pistachio delicacies.

How to reach Bronte

To reach Bronte by car from Catania, just take the state roads 121 and 284 and travel about 50 kilometres.

From Palermo, the distance is around 200 kilometers by crossing the A19 or A20 motorway, while from Messina it is enough to pass along the A18 and travel about 100 kilometers.

Le railway stations the closest ones are located in Giarre Riposto and Sant'Agata di Militello, with a distance of around 35 kilometres.

The nearest airport is Catania, 41 kilometers from the city centre.