Ponte Milvio

Overview

Ponte Milvio (Milvian Bridge) is one of the most historically ancient, pivotal bridges in Rome. Spanning the River Tiber far north of the historic center, it is famous for its monumental ancient battles and its (recent) tradition as the romantic bridge of "love locks."

Highlights

• The Architecture: A massive, fortified stone bridge. Walk across to appreciate the massive central arches that have remarkably survived since 115 BC.
• The Tower: The massive, guarded medieval tower block (the Valadier tower) defending the northern end of the bridge.
• The Atmosphere: The bridge is pedestrianized and popular in the evening, flanked by incredibly busy, trendy bars and restaurants on the northern bank.

History

This is the exact site of one of the most important battles in Western history. In 312 AD, Constantine defeated Maxentius here at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. According to legend, Constantine saw a massive vision of a cross in the sky ("In this sign, conquer") right before the battle, leading to him converting the entire Roman Empire to Christianity.

Visitor Tips

• The Locks: In 2006, inspired by a teen romance novel, couples began clipping thousands of heavy padlocks onto the lampposts here. The city had to cut them all off in 2012 because the sheer weight was physically crumbling the ancient bridge.
• Nightlife: The Piazzale Ponte Milvio on the northern side is currently one of the most hyper-trendy, clustered nightlife spots for young Romans.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.