Ponte Vecchio (which translates as "Old Bridge") is a medieval bridge over the Arno River in Florence, which is the oldest and most famous in the city.
The bridge is also known as the Golden Bridge.
It is believed that the bridge in this place - the narrowest on the Arno River (Arno), was built during the Roman Empire.
This is the oldest bridge in Florence. The current bridge was built in 1345 by architect Neri di Fioravanti and has retained its original appearance to this day, although it has undergone restorations throughout history.
The Vecchio Bridge is a stone segmental arch with closed lintels.
The total length of the bridge is 95 meters, and its width is 32 meters.
The bridge is closed to automobile traffic and is completely pedestrian.
There are small bright buildings on both sides of the Ponte Vecchio.
Initially, there were butchers' and tanners' shops on the bridge, among others. In order to increase the prestige and clean up the bridge, a decree was issued in 1595 prohibiting butchers from accessing the bridge. After that, only jewelers were allowed on the bridge.
Today, numerous jewelry stores are located on the old Florentine bridge (hence the second famous name of the bridge - "Golden").
The central span of the bridge is open from the bridge buildings and there is a bronze bust of the great Florentine sculptor and jeweler Benvenuto Cellini, created by the Florentine sculptor Raffaello Romanelli.
At the southern end of the bridge stands the Mannelli Tower (Torre dei Mannelli), which was erected to protect the Vecchio Bridge.
Near the bridge and above the bridge there is a part of the Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano), built in 1565 and representing a raised covered gallery connecting Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti.
Today, the corridor is part of the Uffizi Museum complex (Museo degli Uffizi). More about the Vasari Corridor...
The Ponte Vecchio Bridge offers beautiful views of the Arno River, river embankments, buildings approaching the waters and neighboring bridges across the river: Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte alle Grazie.
The visit to the Ponte Vecchio Bridge is free. The bridge is open 24 hours a day.
Coordinates of the Vecchio Bridge: 43°46'04.0"N 11°15'11.0"E (43.767778, 11.253056).
All accommodation facilities in Florence (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including in the historical center of the city and more remotely from it, can be viewed and booked here
