A prolonged, intense summer and scorching temperatures have caused water levels in Rome’s Tiber River to plummet, offering a rare glimpse of the ruins of a 2,000-year-old bridge. The structure, known as Nero’s Bridge or Pons Neronianus, is typically submerged, but current conditions have left large sections of the ancient masonry exposed, providing archaeologists with a unique chance to examine the site.
Giovanni Giganti, Rome’s civil protection coordinator, noted that the river’s flow, which originates from the northern Apennine Mountains, has dropped below 80 cubic meters per second. This figure represents only half of the typical national average for this time of year. Giganti described the situation as a significant water crisis, explaining that despite heavy rainfall during the winter, the subsequent dry spells have been exceptionally long and damaging.
Historical records suggest the bridge was originally commissioned as a triumphal monument by Emperor Caligula around 39 AD. It later became known as Nero’s Bridge because Caligula’s nephew, Nero, frequently renamed various ancient structures after himself during his reign from 54 to 68 AD. The bridge historically linked the ancient Campus Martius—an area now home to the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti—to the Circus of Nero, the site where St. Peter was martyred and where the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica are currently located.
For those wishing to view the exposed ruins, the best vantage point is from the Bridge of Angels, which provides a direct view toward Castel Sant’ Angelo near the Vatican. While the bridge remains the most significant historical find, the receding waters have also revealed modern debris, including refrigerators, e-bikes, scooters, and even a car located further upstream. The last time these ancient remnants were visible was during a similar drought event in 2022. The report also notes that dry summer have given locals and tourists alike a rare opportunity to see the remains of a 2,000-year-old bridge that once spanned the Tiber river that weaves through the center of Rome, scorching temperatures and a long.
