FABRICIO BRIDGE

THE HISTORY

Fabricio bridge was built in 62 b.C. by curator viarum L. Fabricius as both sides of the bridge inform through an inscription. This area was once in front of the ancient port of Rome hence surely important and strategic for commerce. Fabricio Bridge links the area of the Roman Forum to Tiberina Island and Trastevere through the other bridge, the Cestio, built in 46 b.C. by L. Cestius and rebuilt in 370 a.D.. Fabricio bridge surely is the oldest Roman

S. BARTOLOMEO CHURCH

Bridge remained and it's still in use for pedestrians. It was restored in 2nd century but also damaged later many times by floods. During the Middle Age time it was also known with the name "Pons Judaeorum" meaning Jews' Bridge becouse of the nearness of the Ghetto. Then it took another name, "Ponte dei Quattro Capi" (Bridge of Four Heads), becouse of the two herms of the four-headed Janus placed here under Pope Sixtus (1585-1590). Immediately raised a legend wanting this herms to represent the four architects who had been working on the restoration of this bridge in obedience of Pope's will. As they used to quarrel between themselves Pope Sixtus V condemned them to death for indecent professional behavior and later the Pope itself wanted to commemorate them representing them on the parapet. But this is not a confirmed story. The Ponte Fabricio is 57 m long and 5.6 wide, mainly composed of travertino, a white stone abundant in all the Lazio Region.
Tiberina Island surely is a place worthy of visiting both during the day and night. In 293 b.C. here was buit a temple dedicated to Esculapio, god of medicine, exaclty where today there's Saint Bartolomeo Church. Still today this boat-shaped island has a working hospital.