MELITHA BLASCO
Important bridge over the Tiber
The Milvian Bridge is one of the most important bridges over the Tiber. It was built by the Roman consul Gaius Claudius Nero in 206BC after defeating the Carthaginians in the Battle of the Metaurus. In 115BC, the consul Marcus Manilius destroyed the previous bridge and built a new one in its place. Then, in 312, Constantine defeated Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. It was renovated in the 18th and 19th centuries by the artists Guiseppe Valladier and Domenico Pigiani.
After the publication of Federico Moccia's novel "I Want You" (Tengo Ganas de Ti), the bridge began to attract the interest of young lovers who go there to hang their "locks of love" as symbols of their eternal love.
In April 2007, some of the beams gave way due to the weight of the locks, leading to the practice being banned. But the new mayor added strong iron beams so the lovers could continue their traditions.
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