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St Francis Bridge in Subiaco: The medieval bridge paid for with a war ransom
At the entrance to Subiaco, nestled among the poplars along the river Aniene, stands Ponte San Francesco: a fortified medieval bridge so well preserved that the European Film Commission Network has listed it among the top film locations in Europe. It has stood here for nearly 700 years, and remains a pedestrian-only crossing.
A victory and a ransom
In 1356, the troops of Subiaco defeated those of Tivoli on Campo d'Arco plain. Abbot Ademaro—a Frenchman of ill repute whom St Catherine of Siena described as a "rapacious wolf in shepherd’s clothing"—used the ransom from the prisoners to build this bridge. Construction was completed in 1358. In 1789, it was restored for the visit of Pius VI, an event commemorated by an inscription on the tower.
The architecture
Built entirely from pietra cardellino (the local ochre-coloured stone), the bridge features a humpback structure with a single arch, 37 metres long and 20 metres high. A quadrangular watchtower guards the entrance. Walking on the worn cobblestones and passing through the tower gate is a true leap back into the 14th century.
Beyond the bridge
The bridge is always accessible to pedestrians. On the riverbanks, visitors can relax, fish, or let children play in the park. For adventure seekers, the river Aniene offers canoeing and rafting experiences. Just a few steps away lies the Convent of St Francis, featuring frescoes attributed to Il Sodoma.
