Cividale: the Devil's Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo)

Home Ways Italian way Fourth stage Cividale Photo 3

The Devil's Bridge crosses the Natisone River with its two bold arches leaning on one single support column on a rock jutting out of the river. It dates back to the 15th century and its name comes from a nice tale.

The story goes that, despite their efforts, the inhabitants of Cividale couldn't build a bridge over the Natisone River. So they made a pact with the Devil: he would build the bridge in exchange of the soul of the first to cross it. Once the Devil had carried out the construction of the bridge, the inhabitants of Cividale brought a sack to the bridge and a dog came out of it, running across the bridge.

Given the agreement, the Devil had no alternative but to be content with its soul.