Ponte delle Paratoie

The Bridge of the Paratoie crosses Cervia’s port canal beside Torre San Michele, linking the historic centre with Borgo Marina. Also called the Ponte Nuovo or Ponte della Torre, it stands at the heart of the harbour district.

Why it matters

The bridge’s successive forms reflect changes in Cervia’s waterfront, from the salt trade to modern navigation. The first documented bridge here was built in 1862 by local contractor Giovanni Goretti. German mines destroyed it on 21 October 1944. After an interim crossing and a later masonry bridge fitted with sluice gates, the present movable span was inaugurated in December 2000.

What to notice

The name “Paratoie” recalls the sluice boards fitted to the earlier masonry bridge, which regulated water flowing toward the salt pans. The present bridge is a large movable span, brought to Cervia by barge because it could not be transported overland. Its setting brings together the canal, Torre San Michele and the historic salt warehouses.

Context and history

The 1862 bridge was contracted to Giovanni Goretti for 14,839 lire. German mines destroyed it on 21 October 1944, during the retreat toward Ravenna. The replacement bridge was later superseded as the port canal’s needs changed. In December 2000, Cervia inaugurated the current movable span, which had arrived by sea on a barge. Sailor Cino Ricci attended the opening; years earlier, he had followed work on the original bridge for his father’s firm.