Bridges of the Arno: Ponte Alla Carraias and Ponte San Trinita

A view of the Ponte Alla Carraia From Ponte Santa Trinita

The Ponte Vecchio in the late afternoon sun from Ponte Santa Trinita

A Larger view of the Ponte Vecchio in the morning from Ponte Santa Trinita

There are two bridges west of the Ponte Vecchio, the Ponte San Trinita and the Ponte Alla Carraia. Both bridges are one-way, and they handle the bulk of the traffic from the western part of the city, most notably the train station. Although they lack the history of the Ponte Vecchio, both boast beautiful stone construction and the requisite Florentine artwork. Nearest to the Ponte Vecchio is the Ponte Santa Trinita: most pictures of the Ponte Vecchio are shot from this vantage point. The Ponte Santa Trinita (photo to the left) handles the traffic from Oltrarno into Florence proper. Handling the flow of traffic into the old quarter is the very similar-looking Ponte Alla Carraia, located nearer to the train station. (photo to the right, showing the bridge at dusk). Both bridges feature sculptures on either side of the roadway, and are bear large insignias at the mid-point of the bridge. Another interesting feature of both bridges is the existence of a little platform on the outside of the railing, where one might sit and watch the river. A favorite hang-out for young lovers, any time of the day or night. The photo to the left shows the Ponte Santa Trinita at night.