Castruccio Bridge and Old Customs Houses

A medieval crossing in the Lima Valley

The Castruccio Bridge, also known locally as the Campanelle Bridge, is one of the best-preserved historic crossings in the Pistoia Mountains. It spans the Lima with a single round stone arch and a pronounced hump-backed profile, creating a striking silhouette among the trees between Popiglio and Piteglio.

Seven centuries of history

The present bridge was built in 1317 by order of the Lucchese commander Castruccio Castracani, replacing an earlier Romanesque crossing. At the time, this stretch of the valley stood close to the contested frontier between Pistoia and Lucca. Its daring single-span construction later inspired the popular nickname “Devil’s Bridge”, a name traditionally given to medieval bridges that seemed almost impossible to build.

The old customs houses and mill

The surrounding buildings help explain why the crossing mattered. The former customs houses once controlled the movement of goods between the neighbouring territories, while the Campanelle mill operated beside the river from around the turn of the nineteenth century until the mid-twentieth century. Together, bridge, customs posts and mill form a compact historic landscape rather than an isolated monument.

Visiting responsibly

The site is outdoors and can be approached from Località Lolle or from the Popiglio side. Paths may be steep, uneven or slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is advisable. The bridge’s riverside setting is peaceful, but visitors should remain on established routes, respect private buildings and exercise particular care near the water.

Combine it with Popiglio

The bridge works especially well as part of a longer visit to Popiglio, its medieval lanes, the Sacred Art Museum and the remains of Rocca Securana. It also features in walking routes through the Lima Valley and towards the Suspension Bridge of the Ferriere.

Practical information

Address: Ponte delle Campanelle detto di Castruccio, Località il Cavone 1, 51020 San Marcello Piteglio (PT), Italy
Access: Outdoor historic site; no fixed opening hours. Check local trail and weather conditions before setting out.
Visitor information: Visit Tuscany

Sources

Visit Tuscany — Castruccio or Campanelle Bridge
Municipality of San Marcello Piteglio — heritage listings
Visit Pistoia — Popiglio ring walk between towers and bridges
Wikimedia Commons — image, coordinates and licence