It is not a simple connection between two places: the bridge is much more than an architectural element, but it can make a landscape unique and unmistakable. Those who build and design these structures always try to leave their mark, but many times the best "engineer" of all is nature itself.
In fact, there is a bridge located in Italy that has nothing to envy of the most admired in the world: it is the veja bridge, an authentic natural arch that rises near Sant'Anna d'Alfaèdo (province of Verona), within the Parque Natural Lessinia.
The stone bent by the force of water.
It is not only the beauty of the bridge that makes it unique and fascinating, but also the way it was formed. There are many legends about its origin, but the most accepted is that it is Born from the erosion of karst rock.. Initially, in fact, the bridge was nothing more than a cave and, over the centuries, the rivers and streams of which there are still traces today have seeped through the walls. Day after day the stone could not resist the force of the water until it collapsed, leaving only the entrance arch that today is the true essence of the bridge.
If its formation is certain, its dating, about which many hypotheses have been formulated, is not so certain. According to legend, Dante was inspired to create the Malebolge by the Veja Bridge, which he had been able to admire during his stay with the Scaligeri family in Verona. Some critics, however, are sure that the bridge represented by Andrea Mantegna in the fresco "The Meeting" painted inside the Gonzaga Bridal Chamber (which can be admired in the Doge's Palace of Mantua) is precisely that of Veja. Others, however, believe that the most accredited theory about its origin is that of Don Alberto Benedetti, the expert from Lessinia, based on some documents, traces the origin to first half of 200 after an earthquake that would have caused the permanent collapse of the cave.
A charming place with an ancient history
The virgin nature that surrounds the Veja bridge is just one of the aspects that have made it an absolutely essential place to visit. About 50 meters high and 17 meters wide, you can admire it in all its splendor by walking on it. In fact, unlike other bridges of natural origin, it was formerly crossed by travelers, to the point that it was also called Ponte de Weg (der weg in German means path) or "The Way".
The Veja bridge has its roots in distant times to the point of be considered an archaeological site to all effects. In fact, under the arch a series of caves were discovered that served as refuge in prehistoric times. The largest cave (about 180 meters long), called "de la Osa", has been inhabited for many centuries and this is demonstrated by the tool finds, arrows and bones of prehistoric animals, findings that make a visit to this place even more intriguing.
This bridge surrounded by an uncontaminated environment and the historical importance it carries are testament to how nature can create masterpieces unimaginable even by the most sublime minds.
