"Comacchio (Ferrara). Trepponti"

gelatin silver print

stamp verso

Photograph from a collection of tourism photographs from the first half of the 20^th century, issued by Italian tourism boards. High-quality works by renowned studios, such as the Alinari brothers, were frequently used to promote Italy as a travel destination. With the West German Economic Miracle (Wirtschaftswunder) of the 1950s, these idealized images of longing became a reality: rising prosperity and increased leisure time transformed vacations into a status symbol. Italy – particularly the Riviera and the Adriatic coast – became the number one destination of choice. By the mid-1950s, 4.5 million Germans were already traveling across the Alps, marking the beginning of modern mass tourism.¹

The Ponte dei Trepponti in Comacchio is an extraordinary and very famous bridge structure. Erected in 1634 by the architect Luca Danese, the building originally served as a fortified city gate and a strategic hub within the canal system. The monumental bridge, constructed from brick and Istrian marble, spans an intersection of four canals that converge beneath its large central arch. It is characterized by two prominent square watchtowers on its flanks and five wide staircases that allow access from different quarters of the town. The structure is considered the undisputed landmark of the lagoon city of Comacchio, which is interwoven with canals.
(Christoph Fuchs)

Note

1
"Geteiltes Deutschland: Modernisierung. Bundesrepublik im Wandel. Tourismus", Lebendiges Museum online, Deutsches Historisches Museum, https://www.hdg.de/lemo/kapitel/geteiltes-deutschland-modernisierung/bundesrepublik-im-wandel/tourismus.html (accessed 26.6.2026)