After the conquest of the Etruria region (III century b.C), the Romans renovated the road network by creating new consular arteries; the aim of the via Clodia was linking the southern Etruscan villages to Rome, the paths often followed the ones of the previous streets. One of the main destination of the via Clodia was the city of Blera, coming from the south east heading to the Biedano valley, the road crossed the river thanks to a bold structure: the Ponte del Diavolo (I century b.C). The structure has the typical donkey back profile, resting on three arcades, where the central one is the largest. The barrel vaults were realized with big squared blocks of volcanic tuff (Peperino), installed in dry places. Beyond the bridge, the road climbed up along the plain getting inside Blera from the South. Along this suburban stretch are located several arcosolium tombs and many other remains of cave paintings of different periods. They were used as cellars, animal shelters and farming activities until a few decades ago.

Virtual Tour