Bridge of the Maddalena

The Bridge of Maddalena is one of the ancient bridges of Naples, located in the eastern part of the city. This bridge has a rich and complex history dating back to ancient times, when the area was crossed by the Sebeto River, now buried. The surrounding area was known in the 9th century as “territorium plagiense foris fluvium,” characterized by marshy lands. Originally there was a medieval bridge called “pons padulis” or simply “bridge,” which changed its name to “Guizzardo” or “Ricciardo” bridge, probably in reference to the siege of 1078 by Roberto il Guiscardo and Riccardo di Capua. The current structure takes its name from a church dedicated to Santa Maria Maddalena, built in the 14th century and later entrusted to the Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary, which no longer exists today. The bridge has undergone numerous restorations over the centuries. It was damaged during the siege of the French marshal Lautrec in 1528 and again by a flood in 1556, which led to its reconstruction and enlargement. In 1747 it was restored under Carlo di Borbone, but the most significant event was during the Neapolitan Republic of 1799, when the French troops of General Championnet crossed the bridge to proclaim the republic, followed by the Sanfedista army of Cardinal Ruffo who engaged in a battle against the local Jacobins. The current structure of the bridge consists of five large arches, with the central one being wider. Two sacred shrines, dedicated to San Gennaro and San Giovanni Nepomuceno, adorn the bridge. The statue of San Gennaro, designed by Francesco Celebrano, was placed in 1768 to celebrate the escape from the eruption of Vesuvius in 1767, while the statue of San Giovanni Nepomuceno was placed in 1731 at the initiative of the Austrian vicereine. The bridge also has historical significance in terms of transportation. In 1875, the Municipality of Naples granted Ladislao Paridant the omnibus service connecting the city to Portici and Torre del Greco. This service, initially with omnibus carriages, was later replaced by trams, marking the evolution of public transportation in the area. Today, the Bridge of Maddalena is an important historical and architectural landmark. Despite the Sebeto River being buried, the bridge retains its charm and relevance in the history of Naples. Its structure, sacred shrines, and the history of the battles that took place here make this place a symbol of resilience and the rich cultural heritage of the city.