Ponte Azzone Visconti

Ponte Azzone Visconti, also known as Ponte Vecchio, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the charming city of Lecco, located in the Lombardy region of Italy. This historic bridge, which spans the Adda River, was constructed between 1336 and 1338 under the commission of Azzone Visconti, the Lord of Milan. Its primary purpose was to enhance the connectivity between Lecco and the Duchy of Milan. Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone numerous modifications, yet it remains a testament to the military engineering prowess of its time and is even mentioned in Alessandro Manzoni's renowned novel.

The Fortress of Ponte Azzone Visconti

The initial construction of Ponte Azzone Visconti was a strategic move following the conquest of Lecco in 1335. Completed just a year before Azzone Visconti's death in 1339, the bridge for the first time in history connected the right and left banks of the Adda River via a land route. Originally equipped with cannons and bombards, the bridge served as a crucial military checkpoint, controlling the flow of people and goods into Lecco and ensuring its protection.

In the 17th century, the bridge also played a significant role in the imposition of taxes on passing materials, with a consortium of noble proprietors and the Benedictine monastery managing the tolls. The defensive structure included two fortified towers with ravelins at each end, three drawbridges, a small fortress, a dovecote for carrier pigeons, and a central tower. On the Lecco side, remnants of the southern tower are still visible, separated from the mainland by a canal. Initially, the bridge had only eight semicircular arches.

Over the decades, the bridge's structure and appearance have evolved due to various events in Northern Italy. Just a few years after its completion, two additional arches were added for fluid dynamics reasons, bringing the total to eleven by the 15th century. An illustration from 1529 depicting the bridge with these fortifications is displayed at the Castle of Melegnano.

The Wars and Battles

Between the 14th and 15th centuries, Ponte Azzone Visconti was the site of numerous battles involving notable figures like Niccolò Piccinino, Francesco Bussone, and Bartolomeo Colleoni. Despite its military fortifications, the bridge suffered significant damage from the frequent changes in foreign dominion and the strategic importance of Lecco. The siege of Lecco in 1531, led by Medeghino, left the structure severely damaged.

In 1609, the Spanish, under Pedro Enríquez d'Azevedo y Toledo, undertook restoration efforts, only for the bridge to be damaged again during the Napoleonic wars of 1799-1800. The last two western arches were accidentally destroyed, along with some guard towers and a ravelin. The presence of a garrison of about twenty armed men and a castellan during these conflicts is well-documented. The bridge stones bear witness to the invasions of the Landsknechts, who brought the plague to Lecco, immortalized by Manzoni in his works.

The 18th century saw continued conflicts and wars of succession in continental Europe, with Italy being a contested territory among various foreign rulers. After the decline of Spanish dominance, the struggle shifted between Austria, Russia, and France. With the rise of Napoleonic influence, the Lecco area fell under the newly formed Cisalpine Republic. The bridge became a battleground during the Battle of Lecco in 1799. Austro-Russian forces marched from Cisano Bergamasco to Lecco, where French troops were besieged. The French, aware of the enemy's strength, destroyed all bridges from Olginate to Cassano, except for Ponte Azzone Visconti, which allowed the Austro-Russian forces to cross the lake and engage in a three-day battle, resulting in numerous casualties.

Subsequent Modifications and Expansions

Due to the Adda River being the only outlet of Lake Como, the bridge was considered a bottleneck by the people of Como, causing frequent flooding in their city. To address this, a ninth arch was added in 1354, followed by a tenth arch eighty years later. In 1440, Francesco Sforza, the first Duke of Milan, increased the number of arches to eleven. The excavated material was deposited in the southern area of the bridge, forming the Lazzaretto zone. It is believed that this material was used to create the Visconti Island, an artificial islet near the bridge, with the earliest documented evidence dating back to 1723.

The fortifications at the bridge's entrances were demolished in 1832 to accommodate road improvements, and the shoulders were removed in 1910 for the tramway line from Como, altering the bridge's original appearance. During the 1959 expansion works, a staircase was discovered inside one of the arches, allowing the Castellano to reach the riverbank directly from his residence and board a boat if necessary.

Modern Era

The bridge, initially known as Ponte Grande, survived the wars of the Risorgimento and the two World Wars of the 20th century. In the 1950s, two cantilevered pedestrian walkways were added, which were removed in 2014 during urgent maintenance work that included installing new protective barriers. In 2015, structural capacity investigations and core samples were conducted by the Polytechnic University of Milan. Simultaneously, studies and analyses began on the recovery and cultural enhancement of the existing architectural heritage, including new lighting, as the viaduct is considered one of the most historically significant elements of the Lecco community.

Until 2015, the bridge allowed two-way traffic for vehicles, but the traffic pattern was changed, and it is now designated as a pedestrian and bicycle path, with alternating motor vehicle access (entry in the morning and exit from Lecco in the afternoon). In late 2017, the bridge underwent extensive cleaning and artistic enhancement, including a complete overhaul of the lighting system. After clearing the pilings of spontaneously grown shrubs, new conduit connections were installed without affecting the historic structure, allowing for a comprehensive reorganization. Subsequently, four lateral supports were installed to hold the new lighting poles.

Today, Ponte Azzone Visconti stands as a symbol of Lecco's rich history and resilience, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while serving as a vital part of the city's infrastructure. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the picturesque views, a visit to this remarkable bridge is a must when exploring Lecco.