Ponte di Arcole

The origin of the bridge over the Alpone definitely dates back to the medieval period (10th century), linked to the construction of the Arcole castle, surrounded and defended to the west by the course of the Alpone. It was fortified with lookout towers and represented a safety for the inhabitants of the village in case of a siege of the castle, as it provided an easy escape route into the Zerpana valley and the swamp. 

Following the damage caused by several overflow events of the Alpone and the nearby Tramigna, the bridge was rebuilt in 1778 by the Ottolini family, who owned numerous lands in the Zerpana area and had evident economic interests in its reconstruction.

During the Battle of Arcole, from November 15th to 17th of the year 1796, the bridge became the main theater of this battle, to the extent that Napoleon had himself depicted on the bridge, with a flag in hand and sword drawn, in the famous painting by Gros.

A few years later, in 1813, the new bridge was again burned and destroyed by the French to cover their retreat across the river Adige. It was rebuilt by the Austrians a few years later, during their domination.