The Swing Bridge of Taranto: history, how it works and curiosities about the symbol of the city of the two seas. How and when to watch it open over the Navigable Canal.
History
The Swing Bridge, officially dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola, is the ultimate symbol of Taranto. It links the island of the Old Town with the Borgo Nuovo, spanning the Navigable Canal that joins the Mar Grande to the Mar Piccolo.
Its history is bound to that of the Aragonese Castle. Originally the two shores were joined by a strip of land: in 1481, under the Turkish threat that followed the siege of Otranto, Frederick I of Aragon had the isthmus cut to better isolate and defend the castle, creating a first moat. Only in the second half of the nineteenth century, with the birth of the Naval Arsenal, was the canal widened to allow ships to pass.
The first metal swing bridge was inaugurated on 22 May 1887 by Admiral Acton. The current structure dates from 1958, when the old bridge was replaced by a sturdier one, inaugurated by the President of the Italian Republic Giovanni Gronchi.
What to see
The bridge is about 90 metres long and 9 metres wide, weighing roughly 1,600 tonnes. It consists of two half-spans, each rotating around a central pivot: when the bridge opens, the two halves swing sideways until they lie parallel to the quays, leaving the canal clear.
The opening allows large military ships to reach the Arsenal in the Mar Piccolo. The manoeuvres, like the maintenance, are entrusted to the Italian Navy, which operates them from two control cabins. Watching an opening — with the crew lined up on the deck of a ship saluting their loved ones on the waterfront — is one of the city's most moving sights.
Did you know…
- The Swing Bridge was celebrated by the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio in his 'Laudi'.
- As at Ponte Milvio in Rome, lovers have hung 'love padlocks' on it, throwing the key into the canal.
- The bridge has appeared in several films, including Michael Bay's '6 Underground', shot in Taranto in 2018.
- It also opens exceptionally in May, for the sea procession of San Cataldo, the city's patron saint.
Practical information
| Hours | Always visible from outside, free of charge. Openings only occur for the passage of large military ships, at no fixed times. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free (open-air monument). |
| Accessibility | The bridge and surrounding waterfronts are accessible; it can be crossed on foot and by car. |
| Getting there | At the entrance to the Old Town, between the Borgo Umbertino and the island. A few steps from the Aragonese Castle. |
Tips for your visit
- To watch an opening, check with the Italian Navy or the tourist offices: times are not fixed.
- The best moment for photos is sunset, with the canal and the castle in the background.
- Combine your visit with the Aragonese Castle, right next door.