One of the most beautiful sights in Gravina in Puglia is the “Madonna della Stella” bridge, an impressive structure with six arches, about 30 meters high and 90 meters long.
It was built probably during the second half of the 17th century to allow the crossing of the ancient Crapo, the Graving stream, and make it easier to reach the sanctuary of the Madonna della Stella, a sort of road that joined the city to its natural environment.
The bridge was heavily damaged during the 1722 earthquake. For this reason, the Orsini family ordered its reconstruction. It was equipped, on the highest parapet, with a water conduit to supply the two fountains placed at the ends of the bridge, with water from the spring of Sant’Angelo di Frassineto. From that time, the bridge is known as Ponte Viadotto.
