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Ponte Vecchio & Arno River, Florence
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Ponte Vecchio & Arno River, Florence

Ponte Vecchio - Florence
Ponte Vecchio
by Srechko
Ponte Vecchio & Arno River tips and photos posted by real travelers and Florence locals.
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Ponte Vecchio & Arno River: The Ponte Vecchio - Old Bridge
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  • nicolaitan
  • Updated By nicolaitan on February 12, 2006
  • Florence Page by nicolaitan
  • Ponte Vecchio & Arno River - Florence
    by nicolaitan
    At the widest point of the Arno River in Florence, this bridge was first constructed by the ancient Romans. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times ---1117 flood, 1332 fire. The current stone construction dates to 1345 although the designer is not certain. In 1565, Cosimo I de Medici ordered the construction of a passageway over the bridge linking the Uffizi and Pitti palaces, designed and named after Vasari. The Medicis apparently did not enjoy contact with the common populace on the main level. Today it houses a collection of self-portraits of the Renaissance greats, but is frequently closed to the public. The shops on the bridge were originally butcher shops, replaced by gold merchants to improve the prestige of the bridge. Myth has it that the concept for the work bankrupt came from the "bancorotto" or the breaking of the legs of the table on which a merchant sold his wares when he was unable to pay his debts. Today's occupants fall into 2 classes - very expensive and very cheap jewelry.

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    Ponte Vecchio & Arno River: Ponte Vecchio
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  • jono84
  • By jono84 on August 18, 2004
  • Florence Page by jono84
  • Ponte Vecchio - Florence
    Ponte Vecchio
    by jono84
    It is the oldest surviving bridge in the city....... the most famous......and if you take it a visit, you will see why it is always the busiest!!!

    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!!!

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  • Address: River Arno
  • Directions: Find the River Arno in the city centre, and shortly after you'll locate the Ponte Vecchio.
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    Ponte Vecchio & Arno River: Ponte Vecchio
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  • GinGinCoo
  • Updated By GinGinCoo on March 1, 2004
  • Florence Page by GinGinCoo
  • Ponte Vecchio - Florence
    Ponte Vecchio
    by GinGinCoo
    Originally the bridge was built to allow access over the Arno River. With so much traffic going over it, merchants decided to set up shop on the bridge itself.
    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!

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    Ponte Vecchio & Arno River: Medici Passage
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  • bpwillet
  • By bpwillet on February 22, 2004
  • Florence Page by bpwillet
  • Ponte Vecchio - Florence
    Ponte Vecchio
    by bpwillet
    The passageway above the shops was designed for the Medici family by Vasari in 1565. It allowed the Medici's to move between thier residences without coming in contact with the public. Subsequently it was the only bridge not damaged in raids during WWII.
    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.

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  • Address: Ponte Vecchio
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    Ponte Vecchio & Arno River: Belissima Ponte Vecchio
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  • dvideira
  • Updated By dvideira on May 29, 2004
  • Florence Page by dvideira
  • ponte vecchio - florence - Florence
    ponte vecchio - florence
    by dvideira
    Now, let's do a rewind on the film....
    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.

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    Ponte Vecchio & Arno River: Old, pretty bridge
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  • Lhenne1
  • By Lhenne1 on September 13, 2006
  • Florence Page by Lhenne1
  • The Ponte Vecchio - Florence
    The Ponte Vecchio
    by Lhenne1
    The Ponte Vecchio, or old bridge, spans the Arno River and is famous for its shops along the way (mostly jewelers). It is actually Europe’s oldest segmental arch bridge, dating back to the Romans originally and rebuilt in stone in 1345. The bridge is rumored to have been spared by Hitler when the Nazis were retreating from Italy.

    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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    Ponte Vecchio & Arno River: The Arno River (3 photos)
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  • nicolaitan
  • By nicolaitan on February 12, 2006
  • Florence Page by nicolaitan
  • Ponte Vecchio & Arno River - Florence
    by nicolaitan, 3 more photos
    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.

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    Ponte Vecchio & Arno River: Ponte Vecchio - "Old Bridge"
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  • geeyook
  • Updated By geeyook on June 14, 2005
  • Florence Page by geeyook
  • Ponte Vecchio - Florence
    Ponte Vecchio
    by geeyook
    Spanning the Arno River at its widest point, it is the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence. The current bridge was built in 1345 as a replacement for the previous bridge swept away by a flood. It is the only bridge in Florence to survive World War II. Atop the shops on the bridge is the famous Corridoio Vasariano (Vasari's corridor). Designed by famous architect Vasari to allow Duke Cosimo I de Medici to cross safely from the site of the Medici government in the Uffizi to his palace in the Palazzo Pitti. Butchers, blacksmiths and tanners originally occupied the shops on the bridge but were replaced by goldsmiths after the Duke objected to the foul smells eminating from the tenants' shops. To this day, jewelry stores occupy the shops on the bridge.

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    Ponte Vecchio & Arno River: Breathtaking Views - Ponte Vecchio and Arno River
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  • jlee008
  • Updated By jlee008 on October 27, 2004
  • Florence Page by jlee008
  • Ponte Vecchio in Evening - Florence
    Ponte Vecchio in Evening
    by jlee008
    The Ponte Vecchio is an amazing structure that has survived throughout the centuries. Stroll lazily onto it and feel the weight of its history. Gaze onto the Arno River as the light plays on its waters. Feel the romance of Florence as you feel the wind gently linger on your skin.

    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.

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  • Address: Via Por Santa Maria/Via Guicciardini
  • Directions: BUS: B or D WALK: within walking distance of most everywhere
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    Ponte Vecchio & Arno River: Beautiful bridge
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  • BorneoGrrl
  • Updated By BorneoGrrl on February 27, 2007
  • Florence Page by BorneoGrrl
  • Ponte Vecchio - Florence
    Ponte Vecchio
    by BorneoGrrl
    The Ponte Vecchio or the Old Bridge is situated in Western Florence over the Anor River, and is not only a popular tourist attraction for its history but also famous for the shopping. It is the only bridge that was not destroyed by the Germans during World War II

    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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