Along with the Duomo
the Ponte Vecchio is one of the landmarks that defines
Florence. Although perhaps the only aspect of the bridge with
true Renaissance significance is the bust of Benevenuto Cellini,
(picture to the right) the history of the Ponte Vecchio
is intimately intertwined with the history of Florence and its
rulers. Dating back to Roman times, until 1218 the
Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge across the Arno. Today
its role in transport is considerably reduced, as the bulk of
the commercial traffic is handled by sister bridges, including
the Ponte Alla Carraia and the
Ponte Santa Trinita. Interestingly, even the Germans
seemed to appreciate the significance of this bridge; it was the
only bridge not destroyed in their retreat in the closing phase
of World War II. The shop has been a hub of commercial activity
since the 13th century,
beginning as a
center for fishmongers, butchers, and tanners. Apparently the
latter activity in particular (or rather the stench and
discharge from the tanneries) drew the ire of the Medicis in
the nearby palace, so in 1593 a decree was issued that banned
all commerical activities except for goldsmiths on the bridge.
And it has been that way ever since. The bridge, covered on both
sides by shops (photo to the left) that close up like large
suitcases at night (photo to the right) is now a teaming tourist
area. It is the primary pedestrian point of access between the
city proper and Oltrarno, the old city and artists' quarter.
Another interesting feature is the Vasari Corridor above the
shops on the east side, a passage that connected the old Medici
Palace (Palazzo Vecchio) to
the new Pitti Palace. [If you select either of these two
links, be certain to hit your browser's "back" arrow to
return to this page]
Along with the Duomo
the Ponte Vecchio is one of the landmarks that defines
Florence. Although perhaps the only aspect of the bridge with
true Renaissance significance is the bust of Benevenuto Cellini,
(picture to the right) the history of the Ponte Vecchio
is intimately intertwined with the history of Florence and its
rulers. Dating back to Roman times, until 1218 the
Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge across the Arno. Today
its role in transport is considerably reduced, as the bulk of
the commercial traffic is handled by sister bridges, including
the Ponte Alla Carraia and the
Ponte Santa Trinita. Interestingly, even the Germans
seemed to appreciate the significance of this bridge; it was the
only bridge not destroyed in their retreat in the closing phase
of World War II. The shop has been a hub of commercial activity
since the 13th century,
beginning as a
center for fishmongers, butchers, and tanners. Apparently the
latter activity in particular (or rather the stench and
discharge from the tanneries) drew the ire of the Medicis
in
the nearby palace, so in 1593 a decree was issued that banned
all commerical activities except for goldsmiths on the bridge.
And it has been that way ever since. The bridge, covered on both
sides by shops (photo to the left) that close up like large
suitcases at night (photo to the right) is now a teaming tourist
area. It is the primary pedestrian point of access between the
city proper and Oltrarno, the old city and artists' quarter.
Another interesting feature is the Vasari Corridor above the
shops on the east side, a passage that connected the old Medici
Palace (Palazzo Vecchio) to
the new Pitti Palace. [If you select either of these two
links, be certain to hit your browser's "back" arrow to
return to this page]