Rome - Milvian Bridge

(Local Name: Ponte Milvio) The bridge, to the north of Rome in a direct line from the Forum and the Piazza del Popolo by way of the Via Flaminia, was originally constructed over the Tiber during the republican period. Four of the piers are ancient. The first reconstruction of the bridge was undertaken in 109 B.C. and a tower was added in the A.D. third century as part of the city defenses. Pope Pius VII ordered further reconstruction in the early 19th century, but the bridge was subsequently blown up by Garibaldi's troops to halt the advancing French army. A year later, under Pope Pius IX, the present bridge was constructed. The Ponte Milvio was the scene of the fateful battle on 28 October A.D. 312 in which Constantine defeated his fellow Caesar Maxentius. Attributing his victory to the God of the Christians, Constantine showed his gratitude by granting them freedom of worship. There is a colorful local market on weekdays on the Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, the north side of the bridge.