Priors' Bridge – Santa Maria del Taro, Tornolo

Located in Santa Maria del Taro, in the municipality of Tornolo, Priors' Bridge (Ponte dei Priori) is a picturesque historic stone bridge crossing the Taro River, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Parma Apennines.

The bridge is an important landmark of the village and a reminder of the ancient routes that connected the Upper Taro Valley with neighbouring Liguria.

History and Architectural Heritage

Built using traditional stone construction techniques, Priors' Bridge reflects the architectural heritage of the mountain communities that developed along the Taro River.

For centuries, bridges like this played an essential role in connecting villages, supporting trade and allowing residents and travellers to cross the region's waterways.

Today, the bridge is appreciated for its historic character and its setting among forests, mountain slopes and traditional stone buildings.

It is an attractive destination for visitors exploring Santa Maria del Taro, particularly those interested in local history, photography and the natural beauty of the Upper Taro Valley.

Visitor Information

Bridge: Ponte (pedonale) medievale "Dei Priori"

Address: 43059 Tornolo, Province of Parma, Italy

Location: Santa Maria del Taro, Tornolo, Province of Parma, Italy

Historical period: Medieval.

Architecture: Two stone arches supported by a central pier reinforced with triangular buttresses.

Restoration: The bridge underwent several repairs following river floods, including structural consolidation in 2010.

Admission: Free, as an outdoor pedestrian landmark.

Nearby attractions: Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Santa Maria del Taro historic village and the mountain landscapes towards Passo del Bocco.

.The GPS coordinates of Ponte dei Priori are:

Latitude: 44.5644
Longitude: 9.7039