Ponte della Dogana in Fabbriche di Vallico
The bridge is located on the ancient border between the Duchy of Modena and the Republic of Lucca
It is called Colandi Bridge, but it is also commonly referred to as Ponte della Dogana (Customs Bridge): it is the one that joins the two parts of Fabbriche di Vallico (in the municipality of Fabbriche di Vergemoli) and has a typical "humpback" structure. The pedestrian bridge is dominated by a building that formerly served as a customs house. It was in fact built by local workers during the 14th century, at the point that marked the border between the Duchy of Modena and the Republic of Lucca and where customs practices were therefore carried out. It is located on the Turrite Cava stream, at one of the most picturesque points in the valley, at the confluence with a smaller stream.
The construction, made of sandstone, is in such a good state of preservation that the bridge is still crossed daily today.
Not far from here it is also possible to visit the Romanesque church of San Giacomo in Vallico di Sotto, built even before the Ponte della Dogana. The house of worship preserves a valuable 15th-century triptych depicting a Madonna and Child between Saints Jacopo and Christopher, attributed to Bernardino del Castelletto.
