The area has been frequented since ancient times, as evidenced by the discovery (in 1912) of two copper ingots dating back to the pre-Roman era in the locality of Tricolle, located along the Usciana canal about 1 km north-east of the current city centre. In the same Tricolle locality an armilla and a component of equine harnesses from the Roman era were later found (in 1924). The existence of the bridge, on the other hand, is documented from the early Middle Ages: it was managed by the Altopascio Hospitallers and the ancient Via Francigena passed over it. In particular, in the itinerary of Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, it represented the 24th stage (Submansio) and the locality was then defined Aqua Nigra, most likely due to the dark water of the Usciana canal, then called Gusciana, emissary of the Fucecchio Marsh . The locality was subsequently mentioned with the name of Cappianus de Ultra Ponte and then Pons ad Cappianum in reference to the homonymous parish. In 1325, during the conflict between Florence and Lucca, the bridge was destroyed. Later it was rebuilt and then fortified with a tower and equipped with drawbridges [3]. The structure was equipped with a lock to regulate the flow of water but also favored the fishing of eels. There was also a mill and a water saw for cutting wood. The Cappiano Bridge was also studied by Leonardo da Vinci. In sheet RLW 12685, the great artist and scientist depicts the bridge highlighting its defensive structure and, in particular, the tower. The current form was built in the first half of the sixteenth century by Cosimo I de ‘Medici. In that period, the open bridge and the covered bridge were built. The annexed buildings were added: the inn, the ironworks and the house of the administrator who presided over the administration of the farm. Two tombstones can still be seen today, one in Latin and one in Italian, which testify to these facts.
