Ponti di Roma - Matteotti

Ponte Giacomo Matteotti

Work of the architect Augusto Antonelli inugurated in 1929 to connect two disctricts of Rome: Prati and Flaminio. Pre 1945 called „Ponte delle Milizie“ /„Ponte Littorio“.

Three walled-up arches (length: 138,6 m / width: 20,1 m)

The purpose of the construction of this bridge was to be connect two districts of Rome: Prati and Flaminio. A need that in 1917 the City of Rome was to meet. Unfortunately it was a turbulent period for public finances because of the war still in progress. Construction suffered a delay of three years, then finally in 1920 a competition was launched which had its positive effect: 34 architects feel able to participate by presenting 44 possible solutions. Among all, the choice fell on the architect Augustus Antonelli, marked by the motto "Aurea Simplicitas.

Due to the location of the bridge axis with avenue of the Militia, at first it was decided a logic name, which is precisely that of „Ponte delle Milizie“. But much other barriers did not allow managers to take forward the work of construction, for which the problem of the name attributed to the work took second order.

However, difficulties were reset to zero thanks to the intervention of the state that is at the expense of spending. So in 1924 the site was set in motion in official form, but only in 1926 were begun the work of the foundation. The posting of two years was due to political facts derived by the advent of Fascism, was in fact June 10, 1924 the Socialist deputy Giacomo Matteotti fell violently in the hands of persons unknown, the victim of a punishment for having clearly stated, within the room, decided accuser of Fascism. It was an act of courage of the deputy who decreed its end, but even if briefly, was able to topple the arrogant audacity of the new holders of the fate of the country.

The work was resumed and completed in 1929, so that the official inauguration could take place on 21 April, the same year. At that particular moment in history the bridge was called "Ponte Littorio", in honor of the symbol of the regime.

But that name was destined not to last. With the fall of Fascism The Littorio Bridge, having no further reason to be so called, acquired the new title: Matteotti, in memory of the socialist deputy, who died right near the bridge itself, and found dead two months later, 20 kilometers from Rome.