History and culture: Civil architecture

Maddalena Bridge in Lavagna

The Maddalena Bridge, with its 250 meters of length and six imposing arches, is much more than a simple stone structure. Built between the cities of Chiavari and Lavagna since the 13th century, this bridge is a monument that tells stories of human determination and resilience, a symbol of connection between communities and different times.

Origins and History

Its origins date back to the 12th century, when there was a wooden bridge dedicated to Saint Erasmus, protector of sailors. However, it was Ugone Fieschi, father of the future Pope Innocent IV, who gave new life to this crucial communication route. Between 1210 and 1212, Ugone ordered the construction of the current bridge, flanked by a hospital, a public well and the church of Santa Maria Maddalena, which would soon give its name to the bridge itself.

View from the Chiavari shore

The view of the Maddalena Bridge from the Chiavari bank is majestic. From this perspective, you can admire its grandeur and the grace with which it extends over the river, framing the history and natural beauty of the two cities.

Historical and Cultural Importance

This bridge soon became a crossroads for travelers and merchants, offering a safe refuge along the routes between the coast and the hinterland. His importance is also immortalized in the Divine Comedy, where Dante makes Pope Hadrian V pronounce a tercet that recalls the area between Siestri and Chiaveri as a point of reference in his spiritual journey.

Reconstructions and Restorations

Originally equipped with thirteen arches and protected by a wooden structure, the bridge was devastated by a fire, probably caused by the passage of Frederick II in 1245. Its history did not stop there: Sinibaldo Fieschi, who became Pope Innocent IV, decided to restore the bridge in the mid-13th century, giving it new life and splendor.

Evolution over Time

For centuries, the bridge remained under the direct control of the Fieschi family, an integral part of their properties and heritage. Only in 1276, part of the lands was ceded to the Republic of Genoa, marking a new chapter in the history of the bridge and the cities it connects. Over the centuries, the Maddalena Bridge has seen Liguria transform, its territories unite and become closer thanks to the reclamation and recovery of arable land carried out between the eighteenth century and the following century. Its grandeur and beauty remain intact, witnesses of a glorious past and a promising future for the cities of Chiavari and Lavagna.

In conclusion, the Maddalena Bridge is an emblem of the history, resilience and beauty of the region. It continues to be a landmark and a symbol of connection between two cities that share a rich cultural and historical heritage.

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