LivingTravelVisiting the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy.

Visiting the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy.

One of Florence’s main attractions and most photographed places, the Ponte Vecchio or Old Bridge , is the most famous bridge in Florence. The Ponte Vecchio, which spans the Arno River from Via Por Santa Maria to Via Guicciardini, is also the oldest bridge in Florence, having been saved from the bombardment in Florence during World War II.

Story

The medieval Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 to replace a bridge that had been destroyed in a flood. In Roman times there was also a bridge in this place. Initially, the tents on both sides of the bridge were favored by butchers and tanners, who dumped their remains into the Arno, a practice that would create a stinky pit in the water below. In 1593, Grand Duke Ferdinando I decided that these trades were vile and allowed only goldsmiths and jewelers to settle on the bridge.

What to see

Since then, the Ponte Vecchio has been known for its glittering gold shops brimming with rings, watches, bracelets, and all kinds of jewelry, making it one of the best places to shop in Florence. Apparently, buyers can bargain with the gold sellers on the bridge, and bargains can sometimes be obtained here. However, since this is a high tourist area, prices are often inflated. Compare before you give in to temptation. There are also some art shops on the bridge.

As you cross the bridge, stop at one of the viewpoints to snap some photos of Florence from the Arno River. When you cross the Arno at the Ponte Vecchio and leave the historic center, you will be in the less touristy neighborhood of Oltrarno, where there are streets with small artisan shops, cafes and restaurants. If you continue straight after crossing the bridge, you will reach the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens.

Travel Tip: Keep in mind that the popular bridge, which is usually packed with tourists, is also a prime target for pickpockets. Keep your belongings in mind when exploring the knickknacks.

Vasari Corridor

If you saw the movie Inferno based on Dan Brown’s book, you may remember that Robert Langdon crossed the river inside a secret passage, one of Florence’s Inferno sites . Built in 1564 for the Medici family, the Vasari Corridor is an elevated Walkway linking Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti, passing a church along the way and offering good views of the river and the city.

The Vasari Corridor can only be visited by reservation on a guided tour.

A mirada at the Ponte Vecchio

One of the best views of the bridge from the outside is at the Santa Trinita Bridge, a 16th century bridge that is just to the west along the river. Some hotels near the river, like the luxurious Portrait Firenze Hotel and Hotel Lungarno (both part of the Ferragamo collection), also have rooftop terraces with good views of the bridge.

This article was updated and edited by Martha Bakerjian

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