[1] The bridge was designed by architect Angelo Vescovali and built between 1885 and 1895; it was dedicated to Umberto I, King of Italy, who inaugurated the bridge together with his consort Margherita of Savoy.

The bridge links the Palace of Justice (popularly known as Palazzaccio) to the area surrounding Piazza Navona.

[2] It is made of three masonry arches covered with travertine and stone of Subiaco and is about 105 m (344 ft) long.

(Ponte Palatino also has left hand side traffic.)

To prevent collisions, there is a raised section with a fence in the middle of the road.