The Devil's Bridge of Dronero, built in 1428 over the Maira torrent, is a remarkable example of medieval civil engineering. This bridge has three arches of different sizes and is slightly curved, with lateral parapets surmounted by swallow-tailed Ghibelline battlements.
Originally, on the pillar of the smaller arch towards the centre of Dronero, there was a drawbridge, whose iron hinge was found under the road surface; this was removed in 1810 when the entrance passage was widened and the Ghibelline battlements were restored.
The name "Devil's Bridge" comes from a local legend: it is said that, to overcome the difficulties in building the bridge, the inhabitants made a pact with the devil, promising him the soul of the first person to cross it. However, the inhabitants tricked the devil by having a stray dog cross first, infuriating the devil who abandoned the bridge.
Today, the bridge is a symbol of Dronero and offers a panoramic view of the town, representing an unmissable stop for those visiting the Maira Valley.
Translated by Google •
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