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Ponte Vecchio

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Barb B
Barb B
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is truly the epitome of Florence itself. Its name means "Old Bridge" which is certainly true for it was constructed during the Romans' reign of Italy. Today, Ponte Vecchio is full of bustling activity for it is mostly home to some of Florence's oldest gold and leather shops. While it seems traditional to purchase from one of these shops, you should keep in mind that it is almost always over-priced and you can likely find a better deal elsewhere. At the same time, the items of question at the shops aren't always the best quality so you should consider looking around if you're thinking about buying jewelry or leather.

During the daytime, the crowds are huge and many people use the bridge to get across Florence's Arno river from Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti area. Visiting the bridge at sunset is a completely different story - the sunsets are so beautiful and you can see the glittering lights of Florence's ancient buildings alongside the river. This is definitely a photographer's dream so make sure you take time out of your schedule to visit Ponte Vecchio at sunset. The crowds are smaller but still notably busy but the atmosphere is a stark contrast to that of the daytime. Musicians and buskers come out at night to entertain the crowds. A visit to Florence isn't complete without a visit to Ponte Vecchio!

Tip No. 1: While you can watch the sunset from Ponte Vecchio, an even better idea is to go to nearby Ponte alla Grazie or Ponte Santa Trinita to take photographs of Ponte Vecchio WITH the sunset!

Tip No. 2: After enjoying the sunset, walk up to Piazza Michelangelo to enjoy all the wondrous views of Florence from the highest point in Florence. You will get many fantastic photographs of Florence and its twinkling lights.

From journal 3 Nights in Fabulous Florence

Editor Pick

Ponte Vecchio Bridge and the Vasari Corridor

  • July 10, 2004
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Tolik from Tampa, Florida
Ponte Vecchio Bridge and the Vasari Corridor

The direct route from the city center to the heart of Oltrarno crosses the river on the Ponte Vecchio, the most famous bridge over the Arno River. The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is to Florence what the Tower Bridge is to London. Original bridge was built near the site of the Roman crossing, which was farther upstream. It was built in 1345 to replace an earlier bridge that was swept away by flood, and its shops housed first butchers, then grocers, blacksmiths, butchers, fishmongers and tanners. Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge until 1218. When Cosimo moved to the Pitti palace, Vasari was commissioned to link the Uffizi with the palace. In 1565 he built the Corridoio Vasariano constructed as a private passageway over the arcades. In 1593 Grand Duke Ferdinando I ejected the butchers and installed goldsmiths and jewelers instead. The bridge is crammed with sightseers and shoppers during the day; in the evening the local guys and tourists alike hang around the bust of Cellini in the middle of the bridge.

From journal The Other Side of Florence

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio

This is a truly fascinating structure, having survived the decades and now a popular center for jewellery. The bridge, brightly coloured, with a very Tuscan feel, is filled with jewellery shops and has a cobbled street running across it. A most unique piece of architecture.

From journal Fascinating Florence

Ponte Vecchio

  • December 4, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by EPearl from Langhorne, Pennsylvania
One of the more interesting bridges in Florence was the Ponte Vecchio. It is for pedestrian traffic only and is the oldest bridge in Florence crossing the river, Arno. The view down or upriver from the center of the bridge is wonderful. The whole bridge area contains nothing but specialty stores, selling jewelry of all kinds.

I came home with two rings as souvenirs, and I would love to have gotten more. I also have a wonderful picture of the bridge on my wall at the top of the stairs at home. Wonderful memories! The bridge was built in 1565. During the summer, there are street performers and portrait artists along the bridge. It does get very crowded with people during these times, however. But it is not to be missed!

From journal Fantastic Firenze

Editor Pick

The Ponte Vecchio

  • January 30, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Defiant1 from Mississauga, Ontario
The Ponte Vecchio

One of the most unique and enchanting bridges you'll ever come across. All of Florence's other bridges were demolished during WWII (and have since been replaced), but the Ponte Vecchio survived as even the Nazis could not bring themselves to destroy it. Today, the bridge is lined with expensive jewellery shops and a few souvenir merchants as well. Be sure to get a good seat in the middle of the bridge (where there's a gap in the stores) at sunset to witness the heart-stopping sight of the sun sinking into the Arno. It's out of this world and free!

From journal Four days in Florence and Siena

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