This is the Ponte Vecchio, curiosities of the great icon of Florence

When trips to florence, one of the basic points of your visit should be the Old Bridge.

It is undoubtedly one of the great icons of the capital of Tuscany, associated with the image of Florence, and specifically, to the famous panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

In fact, his fame transcends Florence city and has become a icon of Tuscany and Italy.

The characteristic image of Old Bridge is due to the provision of jewelry stores and goldsmith on both sides of the bridge.

That kind of bridge with shops You can also see it in other places such as Rialto Bridge in Venice or Pulteney Bridge from the British city of Bath.

This image is completed with the yellow color of all the facades, which is especially highlighted by the evening light, a view that is worth enjoying from the Santa Trinita Bridge.

Curiosities history of the Ponte Vecchio

In preparation for your visit, below are some historical curiosities of the Ponte Vecchio of Florence.

What is the origin of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence?

El Ponte Vecchio in Florence has its origins in a ancient bridge from Roman times and in other later ones built of wood, until 1333 when it was destroyed by a flood.

When was the current stone Ponte Vecchio built?

Later, in 1345, the current stone bridge, which in fact is currently the oldest in Europe.

With a length of 63 meters, the Old Bridge is held on three arches and joins the narrowest area of ​​the Arno river as it passes through Florence.

What shops are there on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence

In this new era, the Old Bridge soon it was occupied by shops, especially for butchers and tanners.

The bad odors led to them being evicted from the bridge in 1593 and replaced by jewelers and goldsmiths to give greater appearance to the bridge...until today.

What is the Vasarian Corridor of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence?

When you're walking around Old Bridge You will be able to see that above the shops there is an upper floor that runs along the entire bridge.

It's about the so-called Vasarian Corridor.

Ordered to be built by doctors in 1565, it is a long closed hallway that united the Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti Palace, on the south bank of the river, passing through the Uffizzi Gallery and Old Bridge.

Ponte Vecchio and World War II

El Old Bridge was not destroyed in the Second World War, as happened with the rest of the bridges in Florence.

It is said that his own Hitler He gave the order to respect it.

Statue on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence

At center of Ponte Vecchio you will see one statue; It is the bust of a famous goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini.

It is one of the corners most frequented by tourists because there are no shops there and you can see a panoramic view of the Arno river.