Medieval Aqueduct
Historical landmark · Salerno ·

Medieval Aqueduct

Historical landmark · Salerno ·

9th-century aqueduct, "Devil's Bridge", rich in legend

Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by Jack45/CC BY 3.0
Medieval Aqueduct by M2m/CC BY-SA 3.0
Medieval Aqueduct by M2m/CC BY-SA 3.0
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null
Medieval Aqueduct by null

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Via Fiera Vecchia, 84122 Salerno SA, Italy Get directions

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Via Fiera Vecchia, 84122 Salerno SA, Italy Get directions

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Oct 26, 2025

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10 Italian Sites Shrouded in Mystery and Legend

"In order to bring water to the nearby monastery of St. Benedict, a massive aqueduct was built during the 9th century in what is now the historic center of Salerno. At the time the city was thriving as one of the most important centers of Italy, under the rule of the Lombards. The aqueduct consists of two separate branches, joining near the monastery and the old city walls. Here, the tall arches of the aqueducts have been renamed Ponte del Diavolo (Bridge of the Devil), because according to a local legend, it was built in just one night by 12th-century alchemist Pietro Barliario, with the help of demons. The popular superstition also said that passing under the arches at dawn or dusk would result in meeting the devil or some kind of evil spirit. The legend probably comes not only from the ominous appearance of the aqueduct but also from the fact that the area under the arches was inaccessible until the mid-20th century. According to another legend, the four mythical founders of the Schola Medica Salernitana (Medical School of Salerno), the first and most important medical school in Europe during the Middle Ages, met accidentally under the arches of the aqueduct during a stormy night." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/italian-mysteries
M2m/CC BY-SA 3.0
Acquedotto Medievale

Scott B.

Google
Very cool to see this in urban Salerno. There is literature there that makes it easier to understand and you have to know that there are two aqueducts actually going through there. But still as well worth the short walk up from the train station or the ferry dock.

Magda D.

Google
Nothing too fancy, just an old structure, surrounded by city life, traffic, parking, etc. Not sure if the wrapping of the walls is intended to protect ppl from potentially falling rocks ... but it looks unattractive :(

Edith Z.

Google
Free of charge, on the street, but visually impressive ancient architecture.

Jocelyn G.

Google
Here is the background: You’re standing in front of one of Salerno’s most legendary landmarks. The Medieval Aqueduct, known as the “Devil’s Bridge,” was built in the 9th century to supply water to the Monastery of San Benedetto. Today, its arches rise between buildings like a quiet sentinel of the past. Local legend says it was built overnight by an alchemist named Pietro Barliario — with help from demons. For centuries, it was believed that walking beneath the arches at dusk or dawn could lead to eerie encounters. And here’s a poetic twist: beneath these arches, the mythical founders of Europe’s first medical school — the Schola Medica Salernitana — are said to have met. Each represented a different culture: Arab, Greek, Jewish, and Latin. That moment symbolized Salerno’s spirit as a crossroads of civilizations. Look around — some arches disappear into walls, others frame narrow streets. It’s history and myth wrapped in stone.

Angelo M.

Google
Very cool to see when walking around in Salerno.

Gonzalo D.

Google
Suuuuuper cool!!! In the middle of the streets I love how green it is and also big.

Marin “SayanMk” K.

Google
Not something worth mentioning or visiting unless you're wondering what to do. It's a parking-lot-road, so it's not an attraction, nor supported, it's just "there". Not bad all in all, but not a tourist attraction.

Donald G.

Google
Free! Gratuito! Frei! Libre! Fri! Falas! That's right. Anyone, regardless of one's native tongue, can visit these beauties and take outstanding photos. Just get yourself to Salerno, Italy. The city is visually stunning for other aspects in addition to the presence of these medieval marvels.