Ponte Sassi, Turin
Ponte Sassi is one of the bridges of Turin built over the full-flowing river Po. Despite the seeming simplicity at first, it is quite beautiful and elegant in its own way. The bridge seems to be rough and unhewn but at the same time, it hovers over the waterway. You can only applaud the engineer who created it.
History of the bridge
The riverbeds of the Dora Riparia and Po which merge nearby have long been the natural borders of Turin. In the 18–19 centuries, villages, farms, and factories were located on the opposite shore. At that time, there was a ferry that transported workers across the river right where the bridge can be found now. In the first half of the 20th century, at the end of the era of bridge construction in Turin, a crossing was built over the river. The project was developed by engineer Giuseppe Pagano in 1925. And in 1926–1927, a company called Feletti moved the bridge from paper to reality. Initially, like many others, it was named after one of the princes of Piedmont. However, after the fall of the monarchy, it was renamed. Today it carries the name of the Sassi village which was once located on the eastern shore.
Bridge design
The engineer who created the project decided to slightly move away from the canons typical for the previous bridges of that era. And instead of one arch he set three and placed the bridge on two more supports in the water alongside the base. This was due not so much innovation as the width of the river. Same materials as before were used: iron and concrete. But thanks to the coating and decorations, the bridge looks much better than the reinforced concrete structures over the Dora. It has a length of 136, and a width of 20 meters, two lanes and tram tracks. Sidewalks are separated from the roadway with an iron fence. The bridge is decorated with simple geometric figures and framed with concrete railings. The railing forms small platforms above the supports. Simple, neat and without any frills.
How to get
Ponte Sassi is located on the outskirts of Turin, it connects the Vanchiglietta area with the suburbs of Madonna del Pilone and Sassi that used to be villages. The bridge is a continuation of the Corso Belgio street which ends with Piazza Alberto Pasini. A beautiful place for recreation called Colletta Park is located a little north from here. You can get here by tram № 15, and buses № 68, 3006, 3107, Е68. You need to get off at the Pasini stop, it is right behind the bridge.
