Pont Spin'à Cavallu

Pont Spin'à Cavallu is a medieval stone bridge in the commune of Sartène, in southern Corsica. It spans the Rizzanese river, linking Sartène with the neighboring commune of Arbellara, roughly a 15-minute drive from Propriano.

Where does the bridge's name come from?

"Spin'à Cavallu" comes from Corsican and translates literally as "horse's back" — a nod to the bridge's single high, arching span, which curves over the water in a shape reminiscent of a horse's spine. Locally it's often called a "Genoese bridge," but architectural historians point out that its design and building technique actually belong to the Pisan period of Corsican history, predating Genoese rule over the island.

What's the history behind it?

The bridge dates to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest surviving crossings on Corsica. Local tradition credits its design to a builder known as Maestro Maternato, though this attribution rests on oral tradition rather than solid documentary evidence. For centuries it served as a working crossing for pack animals and travelers moving between valleys, long before modern roads reached the area.

In 1992, the structure was listed as a monument historique, France's official heritage protection status, recognizing its value as a surviving example of medieval bridge-building. The following year, in 1993, a violent flood on the Rizzanese damaged part of the structure. Restoration work followed and was completed in 1995, returning the bridge to its original profile while preserving as much of the original granite as possible.

What does the bridge look like today?

Spin'à Cavallu measures about 64 meters in length and just 2.6 meters wide — proportions typical of a pack-animal bridge, built for foot and mule traffic rather than carts or cars. Its single arch is a full semicircle, rising roughly 8 meters above the river. The whole structure is built from cut granite blocks, the characteristic building material of southern Corsica.

On site, it's worth taking time to look at the proportions of the arch and the stonework itself — details best appreciated from the riverbank, which also gives the clearest sense of just how high the span sits above the Rizzanese. The surroundings keep a wild character, with maquis scrubland growing right along the water's edge.

When's the best time to visit?

The bridge is open year-round and free to visit. Keep in mind that after heavy rain the Rizzanese can rise quickly — it damaged the bridge once before, in 1993 — so take care near the riverbank in wet weather. Drier months make it easier to get close to the water and get an unobstructed view of the arch from below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pont Spin'à Cavallu actually Genoese? Not quite — despite the popular nickname "Genoese bridge," its architecture points to the earlier Pisan period of Corsican history rather than Genoese rule.

How old is the bridge? It dates to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest surviving bridges on the island.

Is there an entry fee? No, the bridge is open to the public and free to visit.

How do you get there from Propriano? It's about a 15-minute drive — the bridge sits between Sartène and Arbellara, over the Rizzanese river.