Ponte dei Veneziani
The humpback bridge of Meldola, built in the early 16th century during the brief Venetian period.
The Ponte dei Veneziani crosses the Bidente at the entrance to Meldola and is the symbol of the town. Tradition dates it to the early 1500s, when Meldola was briefly under the rule of the Republic of Venice: hence the name.
The bridge has a slender, humpback form, with arches in brick and stone. During a restoration in 1934 it was discovered that the foundations rest on wooden piles driven into the riverbed: a technique typical of Venetian builders, accustomed to building on water.
Meldola has had many lords: the Ordelaffi, the Malatesta, Cesare Borgia, Venice, the Church, and then the Doria Pamphilj princes. The centre, with the large arcaded Piazza Felice Orsini and the fortress on the hill, tells this layered history.
The bridge is always accessible on foot. Afterwards, go up to the square for a coffee under the arcades, and if you have time continue towards the Rocca delle Caminate, on the ridge above the town.
Don't miss
- The humpback profile seen from the riverbank
- The arcaded Piazza Felice Orsini
- The view of the fortress of Meldola
- PeriodXVI century
- Opening hoursAlways accessible. Tourist information at Piazza Felice Orsini 12/E.
- Phone+39 0543 499452
- AdmissionFree
- Time neededabout 20 minutes
Official site Call Send a postcard
Opening hours and phone numbers read on the official sites on 3 October 2026. They change with the seasons and holidays: always check before you go.
Getting to Meldola
Romagna Transfer brings you here from the airport, the station or your hotel, with a driver and no parking worries.
Book your transferService by Romagna Transfer. Their site opens.
Other monuments nearby
23Rocca delle Caminate
4,9 km away · Meldola · XIII-XX centuryFortresses and castlesPhoto: Crazyfrog58, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
18Pieve di San Donato in Polenta
5,7 km away · Bertinoro · IX-X centuryChurches and abbeys FreePhoto: Il forlivese, pubblico dominio, Wikimedia Commons
11Rocca di Bertinoro
6,4 km away · Bertinoro · XI centuryFortresses and castlesPhoto: Waltre manni, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
12Colonna dell'Ospitalità
6,5 km away · Bertinoro · XIII centurySquares, palaces and towers FreePhoto: Terragio67, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons