The Ponte Vecchio, also known as Ponte degli Alpini, is the covered wooden bridge crossing the Brenta River in Bassano del Grappa. It is one of the most recognizable monuments of the city and one of the best-known wooden bridges in Italy. The bridge is linked to Andrea Palladio, who presented the definitive wooden design in 1569, after a major Brenta flood destroyed the previous structure in October 1567. The present form follows Palladio’s covered timber concept, although the bridge has been rebuilt and restored several times. Technically, Ponte Vecchio is a wooden covered bridge with 5 spans, a length of 58 meters, a width of 8 meters, a height of 11 meters, and a clearance of about 4 meters. Its spans cross the Brenta on timber supports and masonry abutments. The bridge has survived repeated destruction by floods, war, fire, and structural decay. Its historical value was officially recognized when the Italian state declared the bridge a National Monument through Law No. 65 of 5 July 2019, published in the Official Gazette in July 2019. Short History of the Ponte Vecchio (Ponte degli Alpini) Medieval Origins and Strategic Role The earliest documented bridge at this point dates to Read more [...]