Ponte Emanuele Filiberto, Turin
Ponte Emanuele Filiberto in Turin is one of the many crossings over the Dora Riparia river. A simple and reliable structure is a typical example of early 20th-century bridges.
History of the bridge and personality
In the second half of the 19th century, an unprecedented increase in industrial production led to the inevitable growth of the city and its population. Therefore, new bridges across the Dora Riparia began to appear. Ponte Emanuele Filiberto was one of the last in that wave of construction. It also became the second-but-last bridge before merging with the Po river. It was designed in 1914 by engineer Giovanni Antonio Porcheddu. The construction works lasted from 1915 to 1919. The official opening took place in 1921.
The bridge is dedicated to Emanuel Filiberto of Savoy. He was the Duke of Savoy and Count of Piedmont in the 16th century. However, the young ruler had to win back his own state from the French. He received the nickname "Iron Head" for skillful military operations and subsequent reforms. Having made a huge contribution to the formation of the kingdom, the monarch died of cirrhosis of the liver caused by heavy drinking. Despite such death, he still had an equestrian monument dedicated to his persona along with the bridge itself.
Bridge design
The bridge was built near the confluence of the two rivers. Here the Dora River is particularly vigorous and has small rapids. Due to frequent flooding, the structure was made to be strong and resistant to demolition. Its design is typical for bridges of that time – a single reinforced concrete arch. The construction has a length of 47 and a width of 14 meters, two lanes and, of course, sidewalks. Like many other bridges over Dora Riparia, it offers a beautiful view of the green embankments which are still encased in concrete.
How to get
The bridge is located in the north-east of Turin, it is a continuation of the Via Antonio Fontanesi street. By crossing it, you can get into the beautiful and quiet Colletta Park and Ponte George Washington which is downstream. The nearest public transport stop is Chieti. It can be reached by tram № 15, buses № 68, 77, 3006, 3107, Е68.
