The Ponte Vecchio, along with David in the Uffizi and the iconic dome of the Cathedral, is an essential stop on any Florence tour. It’s easy to see why looking down at the River Arno in the sun and reflecting off the towers of Florence. How much do you really know about Italy’s most famous bridge?
The Origins of the Bridge
This is not the first bridge built on this site. The current structure was built in 1345-50 and replaced older bridges that had been destroyed by flooding in 1333. The bridge was originally a defensive structure with battlements running its length and fortified towers at each end.
However, the Ponte Vecchio was originally built for a purpose that is difficult to visualize today. It was once home to rows and rows of butcher shops. This bridge was perfect for disposing of the waste directly into the river below and keeping bad odours from the rest of the city. The Ponte Vecchio today is a more romantic spot.
Harmonious Construction
Ponte Vecchio was built in the narrowest section of the River Arno. The location was chosen because of its harmonious proportions. Its length corresponds to Pythagorean Mysticism.
The Vasari corridor runs along the bridge’s top, making it the most popular feature of Ponte Vecchio. It was named after its architect and built for the Medici family in 1565 to move in privacy between their two homes, the Palazzo Pitti and the Pallazo Vecchio.
The corridor’s design doesn’t follow a straight line. It passes by the Mannelli tower at the southeast corner. The architect didn’t make this a problem. Still, the Mannelli family refused to demolish the building in order to create the passageway. Vasari chose to work around the tower, as he had only five months to finish the construction.
Lucky Escape
The Ponte Vecchio bridge was the only one in Florence that survived being bombed during the Second World War. Gerhard Wolf, the German consul, ensured that the bridge could not be destroyed by bombing during the Nazi retreat in 1944.
Titbit: Hitler visited Florence in May 1938 during his state visit to Italy. Mussolini broke through three windows on the bridge’s western side. This created one large viewing gallery in his honour.
The Bridge Today
The Ponte Vecchio remains a popular shopping destination. This is despite the fact that jewellers and goldsmiths have taken over from the butchers in the 16th century. It is now synonymous with glamour, and every visit to the bridge would not be complete without a purchase. It is also the most photographed bridge in the world. The star of cultural hits like Dan Brown’s Inferno, it is crossed daily by thousands of tourists on Florence tours and guided walks.
Learn More
The best way to see the bridge is to cross it. Join us for one of our Florence tours to get a different perspective. We can help you book the day before.