In ancient Rome, the area belonged to the IX Augustan region called Circus Flaminius, that was a part of the Campus Martius.

During the 16th century the rione was very important for its streets, like Via Giulia and Via dei Coronari; that is why several palaces of the greatest families of Rome were built according to the projects of famous artists, thus making the area very renowned.

A common event in the area was to see a small procession led by a person dressed in black, covering his face, carrying a crucifix on his shoulders.

All the narrow streets leading to the river were lost, to make space for the embankments, but it is still possible to see the typical look of the older rione in the inner parts of the area.

To the south, Ponte also borders with Regola (R. VII), from which is separated by Via dei Banchi Vecchi, Via delle Carceri, Vicolo della Scimia and Via Bravaria, up to the Tiber.