Ponte Vecchio Travel Guide
Icon of Florence
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
An icon of Florence and with a history dating – perhaps – from Roman times the Ponte Vecchio if an instantly recognisable landmark. It’s 3 arches span the River Arno and, inside, traders continue to ply their business as they have for centuries.
The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest of Florence's six bridges, an icon of the city. It was and still is home to shops but its origins probably going back to Roman times when the city was founded by Julius Caeasar. Built with stone and wood it was destroyed by a flood in 1333. Some 12 years later it was rebuilt, perhaps by Neri da Fioravante or perhaps Taddeo Gaddi.
The former five arches were reduced to three and the bridge was widened. The shops, housed under the porticos, first belonged to the Commune which then rented them out but then, towards the 15th century, they were sold to private owners. Changes by their owners were made with raised parts and external terraces.
The tradesmen at this time were greengrocers, butchers and fishmongers but, perhaps because of the smell, Ferdinando I replaced them with goldsmiths, making the road more elegant and cleaner.
The famous Corridor was built by Vasari in 1565 at the behest of Cosimo I de' Medici. The Mannelli family owners of a medieval tower at the southern end of the bridge towards Pitti Palace did not want to give the Duke right of passage, so the Corridor had to be deviated – a feature we can still see today.
Attractions in Ponte Vecchio
The bridge is lined with gold and silversmith shops and it’s a popular shopping area. Many of the shops have workshops that overlook the river to the back. The secret corridor has recently been open to the public and is lined with portraits of some of the city’s greatest artists.
Activities in Ponte Vecchio
A walk along the Ponte Vecchio is one of those must-do Florentine activities.
Relaxing
Enjoy lunch and people-watch at one of the scenic restaurants, listen to music and enjoy a gelato!
Getting Around
Explore on foot – the historical centre of Florence is easy to walk around.
Ponte Vecchio Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
