One of the most famous bridges in Rome is certainly Ponte Sisto, with its characteristic "occhialone". A peculiarity of the bridge, of course, but also a way to monitor the water level of the river. It is said, in fact, here in Rome, that "Are if the water reaches the big eye". A concrete reason to understand how much Ponte Sisto is an important presence in the culture of the Eternal City.

The current name of the bridge derives from Pope Sixtus IV Della Rovere, who began the works in 1473 in anticipation of the Jubilee of 1475. It should also be said that this was only one of the projects that the pontiff commissioned for the event and, more in general, to make Rome a more modern city. This urban development policy will also be called renovatio urbis (to read more about this Pope and his renovatio urbis click here) It is one of the examples of an ancient roman bridge that was renovated over the centuries. In fact, it was here that a primitive structure was built by the Emperor Caracalla around the 217 AD. Its purpose, rather than favoring trade, would have been to unite the city with Trastevere, where the emperor had possessions! As always, there are some more personal motivation behind the great buildings of ancient Rome...

Over the centuries then, as happened to other bridges of the Roman era, there were numerous restorations but also disasters. Thus it was that the bridge, around the 792, collapsed due to a flood. And immediately the locals indulged themselves with the nicknames, naming what will be Ponte Sisto as Pons Ruptus, Pons Fractus or Pons Tremulus. Let us now return to Pope Sixtus IV who, as other popes will do, on the occasion of the laying of the first stone, accompanied by bishops and cardinals, will officiate a curious ritual. In fact, after some prayers and various rites, a bag full of gold coins with his effigy will be placed next to the first stone! A way to wish a good omen for the success of the work. Finally, I would like to mention the two inscriptions found along the parapets near the bridge and which recall the commission of this pontiff, but in two different ways. In one we read "To Sixtus IV, pontiff maximum, for the benefit of the Roman people and the multitude of pilgrims who will arrive at the Jubilee he rebuilt from the foundations (...)": a beautiful way to celebrate the pontiff and his architectural work. On the other plaque, however, we read a real prayer for the benefit of the soul of the popes and pilgrims "You, who pass thanks to the benefit of Sixtus IV, ask divine Providence to keep this excellent pontiff for a long time and in good health and maximum and that you too, who address this prayer, are well, whoever you are ". Beautiful, isn't it?