The Cardarelli Stone Bridge
According to Wikipedia one of the main sights in Isernia is the Cardarelli Stone Bridge. A beautiful red brick construction of layered arches that proved a lot harder to find than expected.
I have always been fascinated by engineering and ingenious constructions, so when I saw Isernia in Molise had a two-tier viaduct I wanted to go and have a look. The first walk around the city revealed no bridges, and when I asked for directions to ‘Ponte Cardarelli’ at the hotel, they claimed that no such thing existed. It was not until we consulted Wikipedia together, the receptionist and his wife found out what I was going on about.
– We call that ‘La Precie’, they exclaimed. ‘Why on earth do you want to go there?’
The Cardarelli Stone bridge was destroyed during WWII and later reconstructed.
A Structure of 11 000 m3 Bricks
I gave up trying to explain the beauty of tall, slim arches in several layers spanning a deep ravine like a delicate lace curtain or a giant man-made cobweb. Let’s just say that I like bridges. And this one is particularly striking because it measures 57 metres in height and is just 130 metres long. Construction of the bridge started in April 1887 and was completed five years later, but apparently the first bridge was built entirely of iron. It was destroyed by bombing during WWII, and rebuilt after the war using 11 000 m3 bricks.
Yet the sight was disappointing, when I finally found it. In most places along the Via Nazionale, the view of the valley was obstructed by walls or trees and fencing, and when I did catch sight of the bridge it was overgrown by weeds. Not quite what I had expected.
But still, it is nice to run around looking for something when you are in a new city. And I learned a lot about geology, war tactics, troop movements and the celebrated physician and politician Antonio Cardarelli while looking into the overgrown abyss in Isernia.
The tiers of the Cardarelli Stone Bridge could only be glimpsed through the weeds and a net behind a petrol station.
Beautiful…
Thanks
Sorry the bridge was a disappointment but at least you learned some new things. I like seeing historic bridges like this too. It’s too bad it has gone into this sorry state. Looking for something is a great way to explore a city too.
Yes, you cannot overrate serendipity.
It’s frustrating when we can’t take a proper photo but at least you got to see it. I love that it is in two levels. Uncommon bridge.
Yes – I suppose that’s why there is such a thing as professional photographers:)
Definitely needed the map for this place. I love bridges, too – both physical and metaphorical. (Oddly, as I’m reading this, the Danish – Swedish series The Bridge is on the TV in the background here).
I’ve just seen that as well – but the one in Isernia is not definitely not a killer.
Beautiful! There is something wonderful about the fact that something that is not the least but novel to the locals is magnificent! Thank you fir sharing your bliss!
And thank you for stopping by to enjoy it with me:)
Sounds like it would have been a great place to visit just for the history.
It is a nice place, though very few tourists visit Molise.