Ponte Vecchio  surely  is one of the most famous symbols of Florence being also the most ancient bridge in this city. Its current structure dates back to the XIVth century even if the first bridge, which one made by the Romans, was built in the first century after Christ.

The Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio

In this bridge there previously were  tanning workshops and, then, butchers and greengrocers. In 1495 the Medici family, that couldn’t stand the terrible smell produced by those activities anymore, wanted local goldsmiths and jewellers to occupy those shops replacing in this way the artisans who were working on the bridge producing such an intolerable stink.

Even today visiting this bridge you can admire all these typical workshops full of wonderful jewels.

In 1565 the architect Giorgio Vasari created the so-called Vasari Corridor in order to connect Palazzo Vecchio  to the Medici’s private residence that was Palazzo Pitti. 

The Vasari Corridor also connects Palazzo Pitti to the Uffizi Gallery.

At the centre of this bridge there are on both sides striking panoramic viewpoints on the Arno river.



Related Articles:

  • Pitti Palace in Florence
  • Palazzo Vecchio or Palazzo della Signoria
  • The Boboli Garden in Florence
  • The city of Florence: an open-air museum
  • The Uffizi Gallery


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