Ponte Principe Amedeo Savoia Aosta

Prince Amedeo Savoia Aosta Bridge, also known as PASA Bridge, is an elegant arch bridge that crosses the Tiber River in Rome, connecting Lungotevere dei Sangallo to Piazza della Rovere. Built between 1939 and 1942, the bridge is dedicated to Amedeo di Savoia-Aosta, viceroy of Ethiopia and member of the Italian royal family. Designed by engineer Rodolfo Stoelcker on behalf of the Municipality of Rome, the bridge is a testament to the rationalist architecture of the fascist period. The bridge measures 109.70 meters in length and 20 meters in width, and features three masonry arches covered in white marble. Between the main arches, there are two single-light windows with round arches, dividing the Tiber into three distinct branches. The pillars supporting the arches vaguely resemble the shape of ships, a detail that adds a touch of originality to the bridge. Construction of the bridge began in 1939, during a period marked by major urban transformations in Rome, promoted by the fascist regime to celebrate the power and modernity of Italy. Despite the difficulties related to the war, the bridge was completed in 34 months and inaugurated in 1942. The construction of the bridge was part of a broader project to develop the city’s infrastructure, aimed at improving traffic flow and facilitating connections between different urban areas. PASA Bridge is strategically located, connecting some of the most historic and picturesque districts of Rome: on one side, the Borgo district, with its proximity to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, and on the other side, the Ponte district, named after the nearby Sant’Angelo Bridge and extending to Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona. Its construction significantly improved accessibility between these areas, making it easier for Romans and tourists to move around. One of the most fascinating aspects of Prince Amedeo Savoia Aosta Bridge is its integration with the urban and historical landscape of Rome. The bridge offers a panoramic view of the Tiber and the surrounding monuments, such as Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Dome, creating a visual connection between some of the city’s most important icons. The structure itself, with its clean lines and use of white marble, harmonizes perfectly with the classical and Renaissance architecture that characterizes the area. The bridge is not only a functional structure, but also an architectural work of art. Its elegant arches and decorative windows contribute to creating an effect of lightness and transparency, contrasting with the solidity of the marble masonry. This balance between strength and grace is an example of the skill of engineers and architects of the period in combining aesthetics and functionality. An interesting anecdote related to the bridge concerns its name. Amedeo di Savoia-Aosta, to whom the bridge is dedicated, was known for his courage and leadership during World War II. After being captured by the British in Ethiopia, he spent the rest of the war in a prisoner of war camp in Kenya. His figure became a symbol of resistance and dignity, and the dedication of the bridge to him was a recognition of his contribution to Italian history.