Ponte della Maddalena
Borgo a Mozzano, Italy
A medieval stone bridge over the Serchio with one tall, lopsided arch, known locally as the Devil’s Bridge. It stands beside the SS12 with a small car park; cross on foot for the best view of the arch.
The Ponte della Maddalena near Borgo a Mozzano crosses the River Serchio and is also known as the Ponte del Diavolo (“Devil’s Bridge”). It is about 95 m long and only around 3.7 m wide. Its largest arch spans 37.8 m, while the others are much smaller, which gives the bridge its asymmetrical silhouette. It was probably built between 1080 and 1100, with Margravine Matilda of Tuscany named as its patron; around 1300 it was renovated under Castruccio Castracani. It was an important river crossing on the Via Francigena, the medieval pilgrim route to Rome.
A short stop of half an hour is worthwhile: walk across the bridge and look at the tall main arch from the riverbank as well. In 1670 the Republic of Lucca banned the crossing of millstones and sacks of flour to protect the structure; after flood damage, urgent repairs were needed in 1836.
Local legend tells of a pact with the devil: the villagers, unable to finish the bridge, promised him the soul of the first to cross and sent a dog over first. Atlas Obscura also points out that remnants of the Gothic Line, the German defensive works of the Second World War, can be seen in the surrounding area.
- Nearest town
- Borgo a Mozzano, Italy
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 43.9784, 10.5467
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- La Cantina del Vino BargaMotorhome stopover12 km from Ponte della Maddalena · 20 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Agricampeggio Ai LinchiMotorhome stopover13 km from Ponte della MaddalenaTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Area Attrezzata Camper Il SerchioMotorhome stopover15 km from Ponte della Maddalena · 50 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Area Camper Al Bersaglio 2Motorhome stopover15 km from Ponte della MaddalenaMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Agricampeggio la valleCampsite19 km from Ponte della MaddalenaCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping PoggioloCampsite24 km from Ponte della Maddalena · 35 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ponte della Maddalena?
Ponte della Maddalena is in Borgo a Mozzano, Italy, at GPS 43.9784, 10.5467. It is about 12 km from Barga.
Can you camp near Ponte della Maddalena?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Borgo a Mozzano, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 31 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ponte della Maddalena?
Ponte della Maddalena is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lucca, the Garfagnana and the marble of Carrara.
What is there to see near Ponte della Maddalena?
Places worth a stop nearby: Piazza dell’Anfiteatro (15 km), Grotta del Vento (16 km), Piazza dei Miracoli (31 km) and Fantiscritti marble quarries (35 km).
When is the best time to visit Ponte della Maddalena?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)