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The Devil’s Bridge in Scandriglia: the Roman viaduct you wouldn't expect on the Via Salaria
In the heart of the Sabina region, just a short distance from Scandriglia, stands a remarkable Roman structure. It is not simply a bridge, it is a mightily impressive viaduct-dam on the ancient Via Salaria. The Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge) of Scandriglia is an exceptional testament to the level of engineering reached in the 2nd century BC, built to cross the Fosso delle Vurie stream and regulate its waters. A piece of history still perfectly integrated into the landscape.
Engineering without the use of cement
Its construction technique is astonishing. It is a wall 20 metres long and up to 13 metres high, built with fourteen rows of massive limestone blocks. The Romans fitted them together dry, without using any mortar. On some of the stones, the holes used by cranes to lift them into place are still visible. A work of absolute precision.
A boundary and a dam
But the function of the bridge was not limited to providing a passage over the stream. Seven massive buttresses — resembling spurs — reinforce the structure on the downstream side, effectively turning it into a dam to control flooding. An arched opening allowed the water to flow through in a controlled manner. And right here, a stone base marked the boundary between the territories of Cures and Trebula Mutuesca.
The site is freely accessible. It is located in a rural area along a path that follows the ancient Via Salaria, just outside the village of Scandriglia (RI).
