Thursday, April 12, 2018

A Natuale Bridge - Il Ponte d'Ercole.


Hidden away in a forest near Monzone a small hamlet near Pavullo, MO is a remarkable natural arch with a free span of 33m.  
Ponte d'Ercole, Monzone, MO

Ponte d'Ercole, Monzone, MO
I was searching the web for another place when I came across this curious place. It was quite difficult to track down and to find the exact location on the map. But once I arrived at Monzone, and found the start of the footpath, it was quite well signposted and after a short half hour walk I arrived.
Ponte d'Ercole, Monzone, MO

Ponte d'Ercole, Monzone, MO

Ponte d'Ercole, Monzone, MO
I misjudged the fact that the snow whilst entirely gone in the mountains above Reggio, was still present in the Apennines above Modena.

It seems the top of the arch was at one time the sill of a waterfall where the water over time hollowed out the softer rock below the sill and eventually formed the natural arch. The arch is a couple of meters wide and it is possible to walk across it.
Ponte d'Ercole, Monzone, MO

Ponte d'Ercole, Monzone, MO

Ponte d'Ercole, Monzone, MO
Archaeological excavations have found evidence that from prehistoric times right though to the middle ages, this place was used for rituals. Part of the arch seems to have been remodelled with a small font at one end ot the arch and a couple of holes to let water pass bore through just above it.

The Apennines continues to surprise me with these curious places that I come across quite by accident.     
Ponte d'Ercole, Monzone, MO