Do you like the idea of driving through the Tuscan countryside, looking at all of the ancient architecture and ruins that are left behind from hundreds of years ago?
If so, then one of the most spectacular bridges is the Ponte Della Maddalena, more commonly known as the Devil's Bridge. It was first built in the 12th century and it is one of the most fantastic examples of medieval engineering that there is.
Standing at about 60 feet high up you can look right down into the clear waters of the river Serchio.
If so, then one of the most spectacular bridges is the Ponte Della Maddalena, more commonly known as the Devil's Bridge. It was first built in the 12th century and it is one of the most fantastic examples of medieval engineering that there is.
Standing at about 60 feet high up you can look right down into the clear waters of the river Serchio.
Legend has it that the night before the bridge was due to be finished, it fell apart for some unknown reason. Because of this the builder was in despair as it had to be finished for the local authorities the next day and he knew that it was not going to be done on time.
Then all of a sudden, a huge creature appeared from nowhere with hoof like feet and black skin and told the builder he would get the bridge finished on time but for a price. It was the Devil himself and he wanted the soul of the first person to cross the bridge.
The builder agreed and the following morning the bridge was completed and standing firm in all it's glory. The builder threw himself at the feet of the Bishop of Lucca and confessed everything and the Bishop sent a pig across the bridge before everyone else.
The Devil appeared to collect his fee and was outraged that he was fooled. He created a huge hole below the bridge hoping that if it broke people would become trapped in the hole. The water is wild and fierce at times in this area and it is also said that the Devil is waiting for his debt to be repaid even still.
If you would are in the area of Lucca then this is an idea of something for you to visit if you are interested in legends and folklore. If you do not have a holiday planned in this area but would like to book one, then you can simply click here to view our complete list of holiday rental properties nearby Lucca.
We hope to have you visit us in Tuscany some day!!
Then all of a sudden, a huge creature appeared from nowhere with hoof like feet and black skin and told the builder he would get the bridge finished on time but for a price. It was the Devil himself and he wanted the soul of the first person to cross the bridge.
The builder agreed and the following morning the bridge was completed and standing firm in all it's glory. The builder threw himself at the feet of the Bishop of Lucca and confessed everything and the Bishop sent a pig across the bridge before everyone else.
The Devil appeared to collect his fee and was outraged that he was fooled. He created a huge hole below the bridge hoping that if it broke people would become trapped in the hole. The water is wild and fierce at times in this area and it is also said that the Devil is waiting for his debt to be repaid even still.
If you would are in the area of Lucca then this is an idea of something for you to visit if you are interested in legends and folklore. If you do not have a holiday planned in this area but would like to book one, then you can simply click here to view our complete list of holiday rental properties nearby Lucca.
We hope to have you visit us in Tuscany some day!!
