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FABRICIO BRIDGE |
"THE
HISTORY"
Fabricio bridge was built in 62 b.C. by curator viarum L. Fabricius
as both sides of the bridge inform through an inscription. This
area was once in front of the ancient port of Rome hence surely
important and strategic for commerce. Fabricio Bridge links the
area of the Roman Forum to Tiberina Island and Trastevere through
the other bridge, the Cestio, built in 46 b.C. by L. Cestius and
rebuilt in 370 a.D.. Fabricio bridge surely is the oldest Roman
S. BARTOLOMEO CHURCH |
Bridge remained
and it's still in use for pedestrians. It was restored in 2nd century
but also damaged later many times by floods. During the Middle Age
time it was also known with the name "Pons Judaeorum"
meaning Jews' Bridge becouse of the nearness of the Ghetto. Then
it took another name, "Ponte dei Quattro Capi" (Bridge
of Four Heads), becouse of the two herms of the four-headed Janus
placed here under Pope Sixtus (1585-1590). Immediately raised a
legend wanting this herms to represent the four architects who had
been working on the restoration of this bridge in obedience of Pope's
will. As they used to quarrel between themselves Pope Sixtus V condemned
them to death for indecent professional behavior and later the Pope
itself wanted to commemorate them representing them on the parapet.
But this is not a confirmed story. The Ponte Fabricio is 57 m long
and 5.6 wide, mainly composed of travertino, a white stone abundant
in all the Lazio Region.
Tiberina Island surely is a place worthy of visiting both during
the day and night. In 293 b.C. here was buit a temple dedicated
to Esculapio, god of medicine, exaclty where today there's Saint
Bartolomeo Church. Still today this boat-shaped island has a working
hospital. |
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