Statues of the Secchia and Panaro Rivers
Two monumental river statues stand guard at the entrance to the historic Crostolo Bridge, celebrating the enduring bond between Reggio Emilia and its surrounding landscape
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At the entrance to the historic bridge spanning the Crostolo stream, two imposing statues representing the Secchia and Panaro rivers welcome visitors crossing one of the main gateways to Reggio Emilia's historic centre.
Designed by architect Ludovico Bolognini and built between 1778 and 1791, the bridge is one of the city's most significant public works of the eighteenth century.
The two statues were placed on the bridge in 1802.
Together with the statue of the Crostolo river - now standing atop the fountain in Piazza Prampolini - they originally formed part of the lavish decorative programme of the Ducal Palace of Rivalta.
After the palace was sold, the sculptures were donated to the municipal authorities and relocated to their present position.
Their authorship remains uncertain: some scholars attribute them to Giuseppe Re, while others believe they were sculpted by Giovan Battista Bolognini.
During World War II, the bridge suffered extensive damage but was restored in the post-war years.
It was later widened in the late 1980s to accommodate increasing traffic.
Despite these interventions, the bridge has retained its original character and remains one of Reggio Emilia's most distinctive landmarks, where history, art and architecture come together.
Contacts
Via Martiri della Bettola - 42123 Reggio Emilia (RE)
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