Admiral's Bridge (Ponte dell'Ammiraglio)
Ponte dell'Ammiraglio
A 12th-century Norman multi-arched stone bridge, part of the World Heritage site 'Palermo, Arab-Norman and Cathedral Churches' ensemble.
The Admiral's Bridge was built around 1131 under the direction of George of Antioch, admiral to Roger II, who also funded La Martorana. It originally spanned the Oreto River and was an important route to the east of Palermo. The bridge has twelve pointed arches, higher in the middle and lower at the ends, reflecting Arab-Norman engineering. In 1860, Garibaldi's Thousand fought Bourbon troops here. The river has since been diverted, and the bridge now stands in a small green space in the southeast of the city, surrounded by ordinary neighbourhoods, with grass beneath it. Entry is free and it is open all day. A visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It is about 2 km from Piazza Quattro Canti in the old town, reachable on foot or by bus. It suits visitors interested in World Heritage sites who are passing by the nearby Church of San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Orto Botanico di Palermo
- Palazzo Abatellis (Regional Gallery of Sicily)
- Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri
- Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum
- Ballarò Market
- Chiesa del Gesù (Casa Professa)
- La Martorana & San Cataldo
- Santa Caterina Church & Monastery