Ponte Vecchio

Cesena's Ponte Vecchio, also known as Ponte Clemente, is an eighteenth-century stone bridge over the Savio built under Pope Clement XII.

Why it matters

The bridge connects the historic town with the eastern bank of the Savio and represents a major papal public-works project. Its construction extended across four decades, from Clement XII's order in 1732 to completion in 1772. The structure remains an important landmark at the edge of Cesena's historic grid.

What to notice

Four pilasters of terracotta brick and Istrian stone carry coats of arms and inscriptions recording the bridge's papal origins. The use of Istrian stone links the bridge materially to the Masini fountain in Piazza del Popolo. Its arches cross the narrow river channel at one of the Savio's natural passages.

Context and history

Clement XII ordered construction in 1732, with contributions to the design from Ferdinando Fuga and Luigi Vanvitelli. Work continued after the pope's death and concluded in 1772; the inscribed pilasters were added in 1773. The bridge has remained in use as part of the city's connection across the river and is known both as Ponte Clemente and Ponte Vecchio.