Leonardo’s notes contain numerous projects aimed at solving the problems related to crossing waterways, and the technical solutions he adopted are astonishing for their modernity and ingenuity.
On folio 855 r of the Codex Atlanticus, a swing bridge with a parabolic profile is depicted, consisting of a single span supported by a series of lattice beams. The bridge is fixed to one of the two banks by a vertical pivot, around which it can be easily rotated 90° using two winches placed laterally on the ground.
The stability of the bridge during the opening maneuver is ensured by a box containing stones, which act as a counterweight until the opposite bank is reached. The side that remains permanently resting on the ground is equipped with wheels or metal rollers, allowing it to slide smoothly.
Technical informations
Last update: 18 November 2025, 12:32