Queen Margherita Bridge

Queen Margherita Bridge, also known as Margherita Bridge, is an elegant arched bridge that crosses the Tiber River in Rome, connecting Lungotevere dei Mellini in the Prati district with Piazza della Libertà. Built between 1886 and 1891, the bridge is dedicated to Margherita of Savoy, the first queen of Italy, and is a significant example of late 19th-century architecture. Designed by architect Angelo Vescovali, the bridge measures 110 meters in length and 20 meters in width, and features three brick arches covered in travertine marble, a typical material of Roman architecture. The historical context in which the bridge was built is very interesting. At that time, Rome was undergoing a phase of great urban transformation after becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1870. The Prati neighborhood, which is now one of the liveliest in the city, was a developing area at the time and the bridge was designed to improve the road network and promote the urban growth of the new capital. The inauguration of the bridge marked an important step forward in the modernization of the city, directly connecting the historic center with the new residential and administrative areas. An interesting detail concerns the decoration of the bridge. Its brick arches, covered in travertine, are elegant and functional, capable of withstanding the frequent floods of the Tiber. The bridge is adorned with sculpted parapets and cast iron lampposts, which add a touch of elegance and sophistication. This design not only ensures the durability of the structure, but also creates an aesthetic harmony with the numerous surrounding historic buildings. In addition to its practical function, Queen Margherita Bridge has a deep historical and cultural significance. Margherita of Savoy, to whom it is dedicated, was a highly beloved figure among Italians, known for her support of the arts and culture. The dedication of the bridge to the queen is a tribute to her importance in Italian history and a recognition of her role in promoting the social and cultural progress of the country. The bridge is also linked to various historical anecdotes. One of the most curious ones concerns the first bathing establishments in Rome, “Romana Nuotatori” and “Rari Nantes,” which were created in the immediate vicinity of the bridge. These bathing establishments were considered very exclusive, with rather high entrance fees for the time, and quickly became a meeting point for the Roman aristocracy. Furthermore, near the bridge, the raft of “Er Ciriola” was moored, a famous “fiumarolo” known for his numerous rescues in the Tiber, which earned him a medal for civil valor.