G. Cione: The Building History of medieval high-masonry bridges in the Mediterranean area

The Building History of medieval high-masonry bridges in the Mediterranean area

During the Middle Ages, several stone arch bridges of a wide span were built outside large cities, in mountainous or valley landscapes, resting on rocky abutments, sometimes elevated high above the river level. The construction of such high valley-crossing structures is challenging and requires specific technical skills and great expertise.
Since the surrounding plays a crucial role in the design and construction, special attention is paid to the building process. Additionally, the arrangement of the building site in this topographical context would address the need for higher scaffolding and cranes than those used to construct low floodplain bridges and temporary structures capable of supporting the construction of arches with often imposing dimensions. However, the actors involved in the process also contribute to the historical narrative around the bridge's construction.

Based on the in-depth on-site investigation, recent surveys and archival research, this research project discusses the findings regarding the construction process and the building phases of these outstanding landmarks within the more extensive framework of high-valley medieval bridges.

The dissertation is part of the project "The Medieval masonry bridge: Towards a construction history of arch bridges built before 1550", funded by the external page Swiss National Science Foundation

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