Romito di Laterina bridge

The Romito di Laterina bridge is a four arched bridge from Etruscan-Roman times located in Laterina in the Province of Arezzo, Italy. In 2023 Italian historian Silvano Vinceti proposed it could be the bridge in background of Leonardo da Vinci's painting Mona Lisa.[1]

Romito di Laterina
The bridge in the background of the Mona Lisa
Coordinates43°29′58″N 11°40′41″E
CrossesArno river
LocaleLaterina, Province of Arezzo, Italy
Characteristics
DesignArch bridge
MaterialStone
No. of spans4
Location
Click on map for a fullscreen view

History

The bridge was built in Etruscan-Roman times, and it rested on two cliffs over the Arno. It was a part of a byway that made it possible to shorten the journey between Arezzo, Fiesole, and Florence.[2]

According to documents belonging to the Medici family that were found in the Florence state archives shows that the bridge was very busy and functional between 1501 and 1503. Records show that da Vinci was in the area at the service of Cesare Borgia, a 15th century nobleman who was the son of Pope Alexander VI.[1][3]

the Ponte Buriano was believed to have been the bridge in the background

In May 2023, Italian historian Silvano Vinceti proposed it could be the bridge in the background of the Mona Lisa. Vinceti noted other bridges that were thought to have been in the background did not match the description of the bridge seen in the background of the painting. He based his findings on historical documents and drone images, as well as making comparisons between the painting and photographs of the area.[1][4]

The bridge is now mostly destroyed, and only one arch remains.[1][5]

References
  1. Giuffrida, Angela (2023-05-03). "Italian historian claims to have identified bridge in Mona Lisa backdrop". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  2. ""Behind the Mona Lisa is the Romito di Laterina bridge". Here is the new research". Italy 24 Press News. May 3, 2023.
  3. "Small town thrilled to learn it makes an appearance in the famous Mona Lisa painting". scoop.upworthy.com. 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  4. "A Historian Says He's Solved the Mystery of the Bridge Behind Mona Lisa". Popular Mechanics. 2023-05-08. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  5. AA, Daily Sabah with (2023-05-05). "Historian identifies Romito Bridge in Mona Lisa's background". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
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