THE PONTE DEL DIAVOLO (Devil's Bridge)

The “Ponte del Diavolo”, erected in 1268 to a design by Master Benevegna, is the only one of its kind along the whole flow of the Chienti. It has five arches supported by substantial pylons. Its name derives from a curious legend which links many other bridges “of the Devil” throughout Italy and Europe.

“The Podesta of Tolentino, Leopardo of Osimo, gave Master Benevegna the task of building the bridge. The difficulties he had to face were so hard Benevegna turned to an old woman, who lent him a book of black magic. The builder, seized by despair, went to the triple crossroads of the Fonti di San Giovanni and recited a magic formula. 

A shade appeared to him, and Benevegna recognised him at once as the devil. The devil asked, as a reward for his help in the building of the bridge, the soul of the first that would cross it. Master Benevegna, conscience-stricken for the agreement he had entered, turned to San Nicola, who found a clever way out. The day had been appointed to inaugurate the bridge, which had in the meantime been barred to avoid anyone to cross it, San Nicola arrived with a little dog on a leash. He took a whole cheese from the frock and cast it along the bridge while letting the dog loose. The animal ran after it. The devil, smelling a living being, seized the dog, realising too late he had been tricked since the animal did not have the agreed-upon soul .”

Photo: Giorgio Semmoloni

Photo: Renato Gatta