One of the magnificent bridges over the river Scoltenna.
The Ponte della Luna or “Moon Bridge” takes its name from a moon-shaped bend in the river, after which the village of Riolunato itself is also named.
The bridge stands on the river Scoltenna, and is a splendid piece of historic architecture which has survived to the present day.
Getting there
Once in Riolunato, you will see signs for the bridge, which can be easily reached by car; there is a small car park near the bridge.
The present-day Ponte della Luna (Moon Bridge) dates back to a reconstruction which took place following the disastrous landslide of 1786, in which Groppo, a hamlet of Riolunato, was devastated, and the original old bridge also destroyed.
This ancient bridge used to cross the river further upstream and, with its two arches, can’t have looked dissimilar to the ancient Fola bridge near Pievepelago.
Stone corbels can be seen on the outer sides of the bridge; these would have originally supported the cantilevered parapet wall, leaving the entire width of the bridge deck free for the roadway.
Our thanks go to the Frignano Mountain Community for the information.
