Ponte Fabricio was built in 62 BCE by L.Fabricius curator viarum (as it is inscribed on both sides of the bridge). This is the oldest Roman bridge to have survived in the city, and still in use for pedestrians. In the Middle Ages it was called “Pons Judeurum” (Jewish bridge) because of the proximity of Ghetto. It is also known as the Ponte Quattro Capi from the two heads of the four-headed Janus (pictured) on the parapet put here under Sixtus V (1585-1590).

This event gave birth to a legend which says that restoration of the bridge was conducted by four architects who during the works quarrelled between themselves getting to scandals. When restoration was finished Sixtus V condemned them to death by beheading for the reason of unworthy professional behaviour. In their memory the pope ordered four busts-portraits of these architects and located them on the parapets of the bridge. Ponte Fabricio is 57m long and 5,6m wide.

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