Ponte Fabricio (Fabrician Bridge), Rome

The Ponte Fabricio or the Ponte dei Quattro Capi, stands as the oldest Roman bridge in Rome, that still exists in its original form. Its construction took place in 62 BC, and it spans across half of the Tiber River, connecting the Campus Martius on the eastern side to Tiber Island in the middle. The Pons Cestius is located west of the island.

The name "Quattro Capi" refers to the two marble pillars of the two-faced Janus herms found on the bridge's parapet. These pillars were relocated from the nearby Church of St Gregory (Monte Savello) during the 14th century. According to Dio Cassius, the bridge was commissioned by Lucius Fabricius, a member of the gens Fabricia and the curator of the roads in Rome. It was constructed in 62 BC, the year following Cicero's consulship, as a replacement for an earlier wooden bridge that had been destroyed by fire. Remarkably, the Pons Fabricius has remained completely intact from its Roman antiquity and has been in continuous use ever since.

The Pons Fabricius measures 62 meters in length and is 5.5 meters wide. It consists of two wide arches spanning 80 feet, supported by a central pillar positioned in the middle of the river. Notably, the arches on this bridge deviate from the traditional semi-circular design seen in previous Roman bridges. This departure is likely due to the fact that the semi-circle would have been submerged below the waterline. The core of the bridge is constructed from tuff, a type of volcanic rock, while the outer facing is composed of bricks and travertine.

One interesting feature of the Pons Fabricius is a relief located 20 feet above the pier. During times of flooding, this relief served as an additional waterway, allowing excess water to flow through. This innovative design element helped alleviate pressure on the bridge during periods of high water levels.

The Pons Fabricius stands as a remarkable testament to ancient Roman engineering and craftsmanship. As the oldest surviving bridge in Rome, it serves as a physical link to the city's rich history and provides a glimpse into the architectural achievements of the Roman Empire. Today, it continues to be used by pedestrians, maintaining its function as a vital crossing point over the Tiber River.