Ponte Vecchio, Medieval stone bridge in Florence, Italy.
Description
Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Arno in Florence. Small shops line both sides of the passage, creating a narrow corridor of commerce along its length.
History
The bridge was built in the mid-14th century to replace an earlier crossing that had been destroyed. It survived as Florence's only bridge through World War II bombardment.
Culture
The name comes from Latin for "old," as it was long the city's oldest river crossing. Today goldsmiths and jewelers fill the shops, a craft that has shaped life here for centuries and defines the rhythm of the bridge.
Practical
The bridge can be crowded and narrow, especially during daytime and summer months. Wear sturdy shoes as the stone surface is uneven and the passage offers limited space to move.
Did you know?
Above the eastern side of the bridge runs a private elevated corridor connecting Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti. Most visitors pass beneath this hidden passage without noticing it exists.
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