The Oldest Bridge in Rome

Map

Ponte Fabricio (62 BCE)

---

The Ponte Fabricio, which was originally known as the Pons Fabricius, is the oldest bridge (still existing in its original state) in Rome, dating back to 62 BCE. ​

The Ponte Fabricio is also known as the Ponte dei Quattro Capi, on account of the four heads (quattro capi), which crown each of the two pillars on the parapet. ​It has also been called the Ponte degli Ebrei (Bridge of the Jews), because of its close proximity to what was once the Jewish Ghetto. 

The main inscription, which is repeated above each arch, commemorates the builder of the bridge, Lucius Fabricius: 'L FABRICIVS C F CVR VIAR FACIVNDVM COERAVIT' ('Lucius Fabricius, son of Caius, Superintendent of Streets, undertook to have this built'). The shorter inscription above the central arch proclaims: 'EIDEMQVE PROBAVEIT' ('And approved it himself'). 

---

The Ponte Fabricio

The four heads (quattro capi) that give the Ponte Fabricio its other name: Ponte dei Quattro Capi

Inscription