Ponte Cavour, Rome

Ponte Cavour carries you across the Tiber on a broad masonry bridge faced in travertine. [It was designed by Angelo Vescovali and built from 1896 to 1901, opening on 25 May 1901.] Its name honors [Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, a leading figure in Italy’s unification.]

The repeated arches give this river crossing a measured, ceremonial rhythm rather than the feel of a temporary shortcut. [Five masonry arches, clad in travertine, make up a bridge about 110 metres long and 20 metres wide.] It links [Piazza del Porto di Ripetta with Lungotevere dei Mellini, joining Campo Marzio and Prati.]

The structure replaced an earlier temporary footbridge. [Since the postwar era, swimmers have renewed a New Year’s Day morning dive into the Tiber from its parapet.]