The uniqueness of this space lies in the origin of the stones it preserves. In fact, the 150 or so stones placed in the wooden enclosure not far from the Piazza sull’Acqua (Square on the Water) come from the last major restoration of the Tiberius Bridge. Found in the surrounding area are the stones ‘left over’ during the reconstruction of the arch that was demolished in 551 AD. Looking at the Tiberius Bridge from Piazza sull’Acqua, one can see, in fact, how the last arch towards Borgo San Giuliano is smaller and more ‘humpbacked’ than the others. Although legend would blame this on a well-aimed kick by the devil in a fight with San Giuliano (or according to other narratives in a fight with Tiberius himself), the truth is one and the same and entrusted to the historical chronicles: during the wars between the Goths and the Byzantines, the commander Usdrila collapsed the last archway to prevent the advance of General Narrates. The action did not prevent the imperial forces from crossing the Marecchia river, but it compromised the shape of the bridge forever. The archway, which was never rebuilt as it was originally, was constantly remodelled due to collapses and subsidence until its present-day appearance. This is why a walk among these stones is a bit like a stroll through the history of glorious armies, valiant condottieri, terrible battles and memorable events of the time.
Rimini all year round
