The bridge of the Saracens, a bridge also between history and the present

Fernando Pessoa wrote: “My soul is a hidden orchestra; I know not what instruments, what fiddlestrings and harps, drums and tamboura I sound and clash inside myself. All I hear is the symphony.” And so it is also for our beloved Sicily: every year thousands and thousands of tourists choose our marvellous island as part of their journey in search of not only architectural or natural beauties, but to touch centuries and centuries of history with their hands. They get involved in that symphony that radially envelops the whole territory from the Sicilian hinterland.

And today, speaking of centuries of history, we want to talk to you about what La Repubblica presented in 2015 as one of the thirty most beautiful bridges in Italy: the Ponte dei Saraceni (Bridge of the Saracens).
This wonderful structure is located in the Sicilian hinterland, on the outskirts of the municipality of Adrano (Catania) and a few steps from Centuripe (Enna).

In fact, the bridge was originally part of an important axis connecting Eastern Sicily and in particular between the cities of Troina, the first capital of the kingdom of Roger I of Altavilla, and Catania. After crossing the bridge, the road continued along the Simeto river. In addition to connecting these two important cities, the structure offered the possibility for the inhabitants to move from the hinterland to the coast.

Already at the time of Roman domination, in the same place, there was a bridge that allowed you to cross the river. However it will be only in the XII century, between the Arab and Norman domination, that the Ponte dei Saraceni undergoes a profound reconstruction. Despite its current name, it was the Normans who carried out the reconstruction work.

Unfortunately the flood of 1948 caused the river to overflow and with it the collapse of most of the bridge due to the force with which the water descended the river and the precarious situation of the bridge itself. Of the original structure and glory, only the central Norman-made arch remains today. All the rest, including the minor side arches, is the result of reconstructions after 1948.

Despite this, the charm of the Ponte dei Saraceni is absolutely indisputable. A poignant beauty that will capture your gaze and fill your heart. And the emotions do not end here because the area offers you an excellent starting point to see other Sicilian beauties including: The Etna Volcano Park, the less famous but equally fascinating Nebrodi Park, Catania and its interesting historic centre, the east coast, including visiting Taormina to the north and Syracuse and Ortigia to the south, as well as of course the various beaches in the area. Inland, mandatory stops are the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone. And after a day full of emotions and history, why not enjoy one of our modern villas with a private pool in the area?

Il Faro di Brucoli: In the heart of the small fishing village of Brucoli, in the province of Syracuse and a few minutes by car from Catania, this wonderful residence is born. Built in 1911 and recently restored with taste and elegance, the residence has been transformed into a luxury lighthouse, the only one of its kind in all of Sicily! Let yourself be inebriated by the senses of this splendid place that smells of the sea, let yourself be lulled by its breeze and let yourself be given that fantastic view of the Ionian Sea and its majesty Etna.

Nerello Mascalese: Splendid country residence located on the slopes of the Etna volcano, very close to the characteristic town of Randazzo. With its 5 bedrooms, it is ready to welcome you whether you are with family or friends for a holiday of peace and quiet, detached from the chaos of the city. The residence has many shaded corners in which to relax and a delightful private swimming pool in which to cool off in the hottest hours and be able to observe the wonderful panorama over the hills of Eastern Sicily.

Buena Vista: Majestic and elegant private villa in one of the most sought-after cities by world tourism: Taormina. With its 3000 square meters of garden, get ready for a holiday in the colors of eastern Sicily, enjoy the quiet inside the wonderful Jacuzzi located on the terrace of the house to give you an unprecedented view of the sea and the bay of the city since always most praised by writers, philosophers and artists such as Goethe, Nietzsche and Klimt.

Borgo degli Aranci: In the village of Fiumefreddo, at the foot of Mount Etna and in front of the Ionian Sea, this spectacular residence is born, surrounded by citrus trees whose scent of oranges will delight your holidays. The residence is divided into three wonderful houses close to each other and surrounded by 11 hectares of land whose green lawn will lead you to the splendid swimming pool overlooking the gentle slope that naturally slopes towards the sea.

Viagrande: Luxurious villa with private pool located in Viagrande, on the south-eastern side of Etna. Furnished with taste and elegance but with a modern spirit, this splendid residence will give you moments of absolute quiet on its well-equipped and covered terrace or in its swimming pool immersed in the green of the English lawn and surrounded by Mediterranean plants.

Vecchia Dimora Resort: Wonderful residence just a few kilometers from the Etna Volcano Park, detached from the chaos of the city and the classic tourist circuits to give you the opportunity to breathe the pure and nostalgic Sicily of an aristocratic past. Villaetna is an aristocratic home that has been renovated with great taste and attention to detail to preserve its splendid Baroque architecture. With its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the green nature of eastern Sicily, it is ready to give you immense peace and tranquility but also an excellent starting point for exploring this delightful part of the island.