Roman Bridge

Known locally as the Steinerner Steg, and erroneously referred to as Ponte Romano, this historic footbridge has long been a landmark of Merano. Built between 1616 and 1617 by the Bressanone/Brixen master builder Andrä Tanner, the bridge links the medieval old town to the verdant quarter of Maia Alta/Obermais, gracefully spanning the Passer river with two asymmetrical arches of solid quarry stone.
One of its most distinctive features is the gentle bend at the midpoint, combined with its crenellated stone parapet – details that give the structure the character of a small fortress and lend it an unmistakably historic silhouette. Constructed almost entirely from local porphyry, the bridge blends harmoniously into the Alpine landscape that frames the city.
A curious historical detail lies between the arches: a narrow, sloping ledge known as Ritsch once served as a wastewater chute, directing sewage from the town directly into the river. Beneath the current stonework, remnants of an older wooden drainage system still remain – quiet witnesses to centuries of everyday life.
Despite its evocative name, the bridge has no Roman origins. The designation Ponte Romano was introduced during the Fascist period in 1927 and has no historical basis. The current structure replaced a series of earlier wooden bridges that had repeatedly fallen victim to the river’s floods. Since its construction, the Steinerner Steg has stood firm against the elements – its most recent thorough restoration took place in 1987.
Today, this traffic-free bridge is more than just a thoroughfare. It is a beloved spot for walkers and residents, a vantage point for photographers, and a tranquil refuge within the urban fabric of Merano. From here, visitors can admire the dramatic Passer gorge, the lush promenades that run alongside it, and the sweeping views of the mountains beyond.
By day, the bridge offers a striking interplay of Alpine freshness and Mediterranean charm. By night, illuminated by gentle lanterns and accompanied by soft sounds from the nearby summer events, it transforms into a place of quiet elegance. Framed by peaks and palms, the Steinerner Steg is a living part of Merano’s cultural identity and an atmospheric link between past and present.

At Merano train station take either the bus no. 1 or bus no. 4 and get off at the Elisabeth Park stop at via Cavour followed by a 10-minute walk.

By bike, starting from the town centre, you can reach the Roman Bridge in just a few minutes via the starting point of the Passeiertal Valley bike route.

Bicycle parking spaces are located opposite the St. Josef Clinic at Marconi Park. Take care not to park bicycles and e-scooters carelessly. They can pose a danger to blind and visually diabled people, as they create obstacles to safely walking along paths and finding entrances. People in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs can also be hindered by carelessly parked bicycles. Please use the designated bicycle parking spaces. 

The St. Josef Parking garage is located in the close area and has wide and comfortable parking spaces. You can use the ‘Car Park Finder’ app to view the available spaces in real time.

The Roman Bridge (Ponte Romano) and the surrounding area are a popular photo motif. Thanks to its location along the river Passirio there is often a refreshing breeze that makes the summer heat more bearable.