Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge), Rome

Ponte Sisto, located in Rome's historic center, is a picturesque bridge that spans the Tiber River. The construction of the current bridge took place between 1473 and 1479, commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV, who the bridge is named after. The architect Baccio Pontelli was responsible for the design, utilizing the foundations of the previous Roman bridge, known as Pons Aurelius or Pons Antoninus, which had been destroyed during the early Middle Ages.

Today, Ponte Sisto is solely dedicated to pedestrian traffic, creating a serene and enjoyable crossing experience. One of the distinctive architectural features of the bridge is the "oculus" or eye that lightens the masonry of its central spandrel. This addition was strategically erected to alleviate the pressure exerted by the river during times of flooding, ensuring the bridge's stability and longevity.

On the left side of the bridge's entrance, you can find replicas of two marble slabs that originally adorned the bridge. These slabs, unfortunately removed in the 1990s due to ongoing vandalism, displayed an elegant Latin inscription composed by Renaissance humanist Bartolomeo Platina. The inscription honored Pope Sixtus IV and commemorated the construction of the bridge.

Ponte Sisto serves as a vital link between the lively Campo de' Fiori area and Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere. It offers a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, scenic views of the Tiber River, and a charming ambiance that attracts both locals and tourists. The bridge has become an iconic landmark in Rome, serving as a gathering place for people to enjoy an evening aperitivo or simply soak in the beauty of the Eternal City.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Trastevere Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city 鈥� Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city鈥檚 most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

t's a known fact that Rome wasn't built in a day. But since it was built, the city has stood the test of time and become "eternal." A popular proverb says, "all roads lead to Rome," but very few realize that, inside Rome itself, all roads lead to the Forum.

Indeed, the central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forums once served as the... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour

The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome Walking Tour

Rome has long played host to pilgrims鈥攁fter all, it's home to the Pope, the Catholic Curia, and a treasure trove of relics linked to apostles, saints, and martyrs. Back in the day, the Via Francigena provided a straight shot for the faithful traveling from England to Rome. Upon arrival, it was tradition to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul. When a Jubilee rolled around, the spiritual... view more

Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 Miles

View all walking tours in Rome, Italy

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