The bridge was reinforced in the early 20th century to accommodate a railway line that was later removed.
The central arch is notably higher than the others to allow for the river's potential flood levels.
The structure is asymmetrical because the foundations were placed on uneven rock outcroppings of the riverbank.
Local folklore attributes the construction to a pact with the devil, a common trope for bridges with difficult engineering histories.
It is considered one of the finest examples of medieval bridge engineering in Italy.
The Devil's Bridge, officially known as Ponte della Maddalena, is a medieval stone arch bridge spanning the Serchio River in Borgo a Mozzano. Construction began in the 11th century under the direction of Countess Matilda of Tuscany and was later renovated in the 14th century by Castruccio Castracani. Its distinctive design features a large, asymmetrical main arch known as a donkey-back arch, flanked by three smaller arches. The bridge reaches a maximum height of 18.5 meters above the water. It was an essential transit point on the Via Clodia, connecting Lucca to the Garfagnana region. The structure remains intact as a pedestrian-only thoroughfare. It is constructed primarily of local stone and masonry. The bridge is structurally significant for its irregular geometry, which defies standard medieval building norms of the era.
The riverbank on the southern side provides the best angle to capture the full asymmetry of the arches.
Walk across the entire bridge to view the asymmetrical arch proportions from both riverbanks.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes to navigate the steep stone inclines of the bridge.
Visit the small park area at the base of the bridge for a clearer perspective of the entire structure.
Attempting to climb or scale the outer masonry of the bridge structure for photos.
