Discover the history, medieval architecture, and famous legend of the Devil's Bridge (Ponte della Maddalena) in Borgo a Mozzano, along the Serchio River in Tuscany.

The Devil's Bridge in Borgo a Mozzano: a medieval masterpiece between history and legend.

An undisputed symbol of the Serchio Valley, the Ponte della Maddalena—widely known as the Devil's Bridge—is one of the most fascinating and spectacular medieval monuments in Tuscany. With its distinctive humpback and imposing asymmetrical arches overlooking the Serchio River, this extraordinary engineering masterpiece embodies centuries of history, devotion, and popular myths.

Historical Origins: From Matilda of Tuscany to Castruccio Castracani

The bridge's origins date back to the Early Middle Ages: it was probably built by order of Countess Matilda of Canossa in the 11th century to facilitate the passage of pilgrims and wayfarers heading to Lucca and along the Via Francigena. Subsequently, between the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 14th century, the infrastructure underwent major restoration work under the government of Castruccio Castracani. The original name "Ponte della Maddalena" derives from the hermitage of the same name built at the foot of the bridge in 1526, whose statue of the Magdalene, attributed to the Della Robbia family, is now kept in the church of San Jacopo in Borgo a Mozzano.

The legend of the pact with the devil

The monument's fame is closely tied to the famous folk legend that explains its sinister name. It is said that the construction, entrusted to Saint Julian the Hospitaller, was behind schedule. Desperate at the disgrace, the master builder was visited by the devil, who offered to complete the bridge in a single night in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross. Once the work was completed, the master builder turned to a cleric, who advised him to let a pig cross first. Outwitted by human cunning, the devil became enraged and threw himself into the Serchio River, never to return.

If you're visiting the Lucca area, stop to admire the Devil's Bridge in Borgo a Mozzano. I recommend walking across it at sunset: the warm light reflecting off the Serchio River enhances the majesty of this ancient architecture, creating an atmosphere suspended between history and legend!