Squillace. The Devil's Bridge

Where is the Devil's Bridge: the surroundings of Squillace

There are two streams that descend from the Serre to lap the cliff of Squillace: the Alessi, from the north, and the Ghetterello, from the south, which join their waters near the sanctuary of the Madonna del Ponte, along the road up from the coast.

A bit of history

Just before the confluence , the Ghetterello is crossed by a picturesque 14th-century bridge, once serving the road out of the village through the Porta Giudaica, so-called from the Jewish community that lived near it.

Not to be missed: the walk to the bridge

Having traveleda narrow road among the olive trees, one finds oneself at the foot of the ancient artifact. Of the location is quickly said: raising your eyes, in fact, you catch a glimpse of Squillace Castle, from where therefore you could easily control the passage.

Why it is special

The bridge is built of local stone, large rough-hewn granite ashlars, and soars with an ogival archway that gives it a hump-backed profile, as they say. A bewildering span.

Curiosity: why is it called "of the devil"?

And as often happens when one wonders how a bridge stays up, here is one of those legends that insinuates a deal with the devil. Nonsense, rather kudos to the builders who would be proud to see it looking so good after more than five hundred years.