Italy 1943–1945
Garigliano crossing and Real Ferdinando bridge, Minturno
Battlefield
The story
This is where the Via Appia crosses the Garigliano, the western anchor of the Gustav Line. The Germans blew up the 1832 iron suspension bridge in autumn 1943; British engineers bridged the river under fire in January 1944. Beside it lie the Roman ruins of Minturnae, so ancient and modern war sit side by side.
What to look for
Look at the width and current of the river, then north to Minturno on its hill. Combine with the archaeological area if open.
Plan your visit
The bridge (restored 1998) is visible from the Via Appia; the Minturnae archaeological area has its own tickets and hours. Check before you go.
Nearby sites
- Minturno War Cemetery, Marina di Minturno · under 1 km
- Museo Linea Gustav, Castelforte · 8 km
- Monte Maio and the Aurunci mountains, near Ausonia · 13 km
- 36th Division memorials and the Rapido, Sant'Angelo in Theodice · 23 km
- Italian military shrine and museum, Mignano Monte Lungo · 26 km
- Cassino War Cemetery and Memorial · 27 km
All 96 sites in Italy 1943–1945 →
Into Europe: Italy 1943–1945
A free field guide for your phone: the route, the maps and the stories built in, even with no signal. The places of the Allied campaign in Italy, from the Sicily landings of July 1943 through Salerno, the Winter Line, Ortona, Cassino and Anzio, Rome, the Gothic Line and the final battles on the Senio and the Po in April 1945.
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