{"id":18489,"date":"2024-02-19T10:49:33","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T10:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/villeinsalento.com\/ponte-del-ciolo\/"},"modified":"2025-05-26T13:27:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T13:27:58","slug":"ponte-del-ciolo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/villeinsalento.com\/en\/ponte-del-ciolo\/","title":{"rendered":"Ponte del Ciolo"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ponte del Ciolo<\/strong> is one of the most suggestive iconic places in Salento <\/strong>and is located on the municipal territory of Gagliano del Capo<\/strong>. It is a architectural work, <\/strong>realized in the sixties, which overlooks a splendid inlet and connects two banks, that of Santa Maria di Leuca and that of Novaglie. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view and a crazy scenery on the coasts of the Adriatic<\/strong> embraced by rugged and unspoiled nature. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Ciolo, becomes an immersive experience, ideal especially for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

\"insenatura<\/p>\n

General information<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ciolo is a narrow coastal inlet located on the Adriatic side of Salento, in Puglia. This site, of great historical and environmental interest, is also known for its rich geology<\/strong> and the presence of numerous sea caves<\/strong>, among which stands out the majestic Grotta del Ciolo<\/strong>. Since October 2006, the area surrounding Ciolo has been included in the Parco Regionale “Costa Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca e Bosco di Tricase<\/strong><\/em>“, established by the Region of Puglia in order to preserve the eastern coast of Salento, safeguarding not only its architectural heritage but also the valuable wildlife and plant species present.<\/p>\n

Just below the bridge opens this small cove, a narrow free beach characterized by gravel and concrete<\/strong>, almost always sheltered from the winds <\/strong>because protected by two rocky ridges.<\/p>\n

Why is it called Ponte del Ciolo? <\/h3>\n

The name “Ciolo<\/em>” comes from the dialect of Salento, “ciole”<\/em>, which refers to ravens or magpies, birds very common in Salento, that fly on this wonderful fjord.<\/p>\n

\"vista<\/p>\n

The history of Ponte del Ciolo<\/h2>\n

Ponte del Ciolo, the iconic structure that stands at about 30 meters above the water<\/strong>, is 60 meters long and 10 meters wide<\/strong>. Originally conceived as a bridge with two continuous spans, the initial project of engineer Mario Carrone<\/em> had to undergo changes due to the impossibility of as highlighted in the geotechnical report of the professor and engineer Vincenzo Cotecchia<\/em>.
\nSo that the engineer Antonio La Tegola<\/em> adopted the technique of the Swiss engineer Robert Maillart,<\/em> which required the incorporation of a thin vault and a stiffening bridge, giving life to the Maillart Bridge.
\nBuilt between 1962 and 1967, it is a structural masterpiece and a symbol of innovation for the whole Puglia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

However, the passage of time has made necessary maintenance work<\/strong>, culminating in an ambitious rehabilitation project presented in March 2023<\/strong> and financed with over 4 million euros by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. This intervention not only preserved the original appearance and structural integrity of the bridge, but also introduced functional improvements<\/strong>, including a variable and multi-coloured lighting system<\/strong> and accessibility<\/strong> improvements for people with disabilities, including a barrier-free pedestrian path and a cycle lane<\/strong>, Together with protective barriers to avoid the famous dives of the Ciolo<\/strong> that have caused several accidents.<\/p>\n