Ponte di Barche – Commessaggio, Italy - Atlas Obscura
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Ponte di Barche

Commessaggio, Italy

A floating bridge leaning on barges allows pedestrians to reach the historical center. 

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the original bricks piers on the sides Lakehurst (Atlas Obscura User)
Torrazzo di Vescpasiano in front of the bridge Lakehurst (Atlas Obscura User)
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This pontoon bridge was built in 1976 to replace a historical bridge built in the 14th century by the Duke Vespasiano Gonzaga. The old bridge was demolished because was considered hazardous by the Sabbioneta municipality (the bridge was on the edge between Commessaggio and Sabbioneta municipality). Today, only the original bricks piers have survived. The historical bridge was filmed in the opening scene of the 1977 film Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom by the Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini.

Opposite to the bridge stands the Torrazzo di Vespasiano (the Vespasiano Tower), which was built in 16th century as duty stop before the duchy entrance.

Know Before You Go

This is a public footbridge open daily to allow the main village of Commessaggio to be connected to the other side of the river and Commessaggio Inferiore.


The bridge is a two minute walk from main square Piazza Italia of Commessaggio, all along Via Garibaldi.

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