Ponte delle Sirenette
Ponte delle Sirenette is a bridge in Milan, connecting to Parco Sempione. It was originalli punt in Via Visconti di Modrone, but today is part of Parco sempione.
History
The bridge was built according to the designs of architect Francesco Tettamanzi between 1840 and 1842 by the society "Rubini-Scalini-Falck e C." of Dongo. It is considered the first wrought iron bridge built in Italy. The decorations were created from plaster models by. The bridge was commissioned by private people to be erected over the canal Navigli in Via San Damiano.On the parapets are two Latin inscriptions commemorating the construction of the first iron bridge in Milan in 1841, during the reign of Ferdinand I of Austria.
A mermaid holding an oar is placed on each end pier. These were originally decorated with cast iron friezes. Photographs from the period also show decoration on the side of the arch.
The bridge was inaugurated on June 23, 1842, by Archduke [Rainer Joseph of Austria|Rainier of Austria], viceroy of the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia.
In 1943, one of the statues was severely damaged during a bombing raid. Another statue was stolen in 1948.