| Ponte Vecchio & Arno River tips and photos posted by real travelers and Florence locals. • 320 Photos
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 | Florence Ponte Vecchio & Arno River Reviews | 11 - 20 of 201 |  |
 by nicolaitanLeave a Comment
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 Ponte Vecchio by jono84
Built in 1345, and designed by Gaddi (pupil of the great Giotto), it was originally used by butchers, blacksmiths etc. for the disposal of waste. This came to an end in 1593 though, when Duke Ferdinando evicted them due to the vile STENCH, and replaced them with jewellers and goldsmiths........ and the industry has lasted to the present day!
It was the citys only bridge to escape destruction in World War II, and today visitors come not only to glance at the stunning views down the River, but also to part-take in a little hard-bargaining with the many antique and specialized jewellery shops.
Truly an experience of old Florence not to be missed!!! Leave a Comment Address: River ArnoDirections: Find the River Arno in the city centre, and shortly after you'll locate the Ponte Vecchio.
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 Ponte Vecchio by GinGinCoo
Between 1565 and 1800, an upper level was added, as was a back row of shops. All this increased trade not only helped Florence grow, but the new shops also gave the bridge structure and strength. The Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in Florence to survive WWII, and in 1966, when a massive flood wiped out all the shops on the bridge, the bridge itself was strong enough to withstand the roaring waters. When we went through the bridge all the shops were closed but the bridge was still full of people going thru it. They say this is the only bridge in the world with shops built along side it almost 3 floors high! Leave a Comment
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 Ponte Vecchio by bpwillet
This has also been a popular shot for movies. There are scenes from "Hannibal" and "Room with a View" that were shot along this area. Leave a Comment Address: Ponte Vecchio
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 ponte vecchio - florence by dvideira
Few steps back, again, on the banks of the Arno and looking at Ponte Vecchio - the oldest bridge in Florence crossing the river Arno.
I couldn't stop myself of saying THANKS for this bridge have been the only one in Florence to survive WW II.
And in 1966, when a massive flood wiped out the shops on the bridge, the bridge itself was strong enough to withstand the waters. Leave a Comment
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 The Ponte Vecchio by Lhenne1
The bridge itself is so unique, you can't help but stare at it. As you walk over it, you feel as if you've entered a Medieval village.
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The major river of the region arises in the mountains east of Florence, takes a big curve southward to pass through Arezzo, and then returns north through Florence, Empoli, and Pisa to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Until recently, flooding was a major problem, now controlled by a series of dams upstream. As the photos will indicate, a highlight of Florence is walking along the banks of the river along the sidewalks and passageways. Hotels, stores, and restaurants line the streets although on the north side they are somewhat more inconspicuous than on the south. And of course you get to see everyone else. Leave a Comment
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 Ponte Vecchio by geeyookLeave a Comment
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 Ponte Vecchio in Evening by jlee008
Literally translated as "old bridge", the Ponte Vecchio has been destroyed by natural disasters and rebuilt time and time again. It was originally built in Roman times. It was a major crossing for soldiers. Eventually it became home to merchants who realized the economic advantage of setting up shop on the Ponte Vecchio.
Destroyed in 1333 when a flood washed away its wooden foundation, it was rebuilt in 1345 with a stone foundation. Around medieval times, after the Black Plague, the powerful Medicis moved to Florence. Cosimo I de'Medici could not stand the stench from the common shops and soon the Medici wealth and influence forced the blacksmiths and butchers to move off the bridge to make way for goldsmiths and artisans. Between 1565 and 1800, a back row of shops were added. Additionally, in 1565, the top level of the bridge was added as Cosimo I de'Medici's own personal crossing from his offices to his home, Pitti Palace.
Miraculously, Ponte Vecchio survived WWII unscathed. It was the only of Florence's bridges to do so. Ironically, the bridge did not survive nature. In 1966, the shops were destroyed by flood, although the bridge itself survived. It remains the only bridge in Italy that has buildings on it.
Today, the Ponte Vecchio is a bustling market of gold shops. From its meager beginnings as a crossing for soldiers to its opulent shops today, it still holds its roots of function, practicality, and mercantilism.
HOURS: Open all the time. Shops usually close early evening. Leave a Comment Address: Via Por Santa Maria/Via GuicciardiniDirections: BUS: B or D WALK: within walking distance of most everywhere
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 Ponte Vecchio by BorneoGrrl
Still standing after hundreds of years, it is believed that this bridge existed during the Roman times and was originally made of wood. Jewelery & goldsmith shops line the bridge have been here for generations but before the glitzy business came to be, fishmongers & leather shops set shop here until the the trade was banished by the Grand Duke Ferndinando I who didn't particularly appreciate the stench when he crossed the bridge.
The views of and from the bridge are beautiful & serene, and what I enjoyed was walking from one end of the bridge to the next Address: Ponte Vecchio, Florence
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