Codiponte - What's in a name?

The origin of the name Codiponte is not clear however it is most likely derived from the Latin Capite Pontis or Bridge-head (French tête-de-pont) which is a military fortification that protects the end of a bridge that is closest to the enemy.

A small Roman settlement, or fort, is believed to have been located on the northern approach to the bridge over the River Aulella, where the Pieve di Codiponte now stands.

The three arched stone bridge pictured above was built around 1100, repaired in 1703 and 1936, and was the only bridge across the river Aullela until a new bridge was built some 500 metres downstream in 1970.