Acquedotto Medievale di Salerno (Medieval Aqueduct of Salerno), Salerno

The Medieval Aqueduct of Salerno, often referred to as the Devil's Bridges, stands as an iconic symbol and a marvel of medieval engineering. Constructed in the 10th century by Benedictine monks, the Medieval Aqueduct traverses Via Arce, representing a conduit that transported water from the northern hills to the Monastery of San Benedetto. Folklore intertwines with the aqueduct's history, as it is fondly known as "the Devil's Bridges."

The aqueduct, colloquially known as the "Devil's Bridge", earned its mysterious reputation from a captivating legend that unfolded in the 12th century. According to local lore, the renowned Salerno magician Pietro Barliario, aided by supernatural forces, constructed this marvel overnight. Fueled by popular superstition, tales circulated that venturing beneath the arches between dusk and dawn could lead to encounters with devils or malevolent spirits.

The legend finds its roots in the unique topography of the aqueduct's location. Until the early 20th century, the area remained inaccessible, with the Rafastia stream flowing beneath the road surface and devoid of houses, nestled close to the towering city walls. The pointed arch, an architectural innovation of the time, likely added an element of awe and fear, contributing to the mystical aura surrounding the aqueduct.

Another captivating tale weaves through the arches, claiming that the four founders of the Salerno Medical School serendipitously met beneath the aqueduct on a stormy night. Adela, representing the Arab influence, Ponto from Greece, Elino, a Jewish figure, and the Latin Salerno, symbolizing the local essence, allegedly converged in a moment that echoed Salerno's role as a bustling crossroads of diverse peoples, religions, and cultures during that era.