The Magic of The Ponte Vecchio

Stepping onto The Ponte Vecchio for the first time is overwhelming. Though there are several bridges that span the Arno River dividing the city of Florence, none can compare to The Ponte Vecchio.

Walking across century-old cobblestones, surrounded by hundreds of people peering into shop windows and stopping to take in the picturesque landscape is an unforgettable experience.

The view from The Ponte Vecchio at sunset is a photo-worthy moment you won't want to miss.

The Ponte Vecchio seamlessly connects the city, making it feel as though you never stepped foot off of the land and over a river. The plaza, shops and viewing points create a feeling that the bridge is a part of Florence, not merely a pathway between the north and south sides.

The History

In 972 AD, a wooden bridge stood where The Ponte Vecchio now stands. In the twelfth century, the bridge was replaced by a modernized structure, which remained until a disastrous flood.

The bridge was eventually rebuilt in 1345 by Taddeo Gaddi using a design that allowed for easier river navigation, as it required fewer pillars in the water than previous bridge designs. In 1565, Giorgio Vasari added a second-floor gallery that connects The Uffizi with Palazzo Pitti so that the ruling Medici family could use it to cross the river without having to interact with their people.

The Ponte Vecchio today is the same one that was reconstructed in 1345.

The bridge was also constructed with sturdier materials so that it was able to withstand more and stay a prominent piece of the Florence landscape. However, the security of The Ponte Vecchio was put at risk several more times.

During World War II, the Nazis blew up the bridges that crossed the Arno River to prevent enemy troops from following behind the German army. The one exception to this plan was The Ponte Vecchio, which was miraculously left unscathed, thanks to Gerhard Wolf, who argued that obstructing the bridge by piling debris in front of the access points was a better solution than destroying the beautifully crafted bridge.

Another destructive flood rampaged through Florence in 1966, damaging thousands of famed paintings and sculptures. Despite trees, cars and other debris swept up by the flood crashing into The Ponte Vecchio, the bridge stood its ground and remained unscathed.

The bridge’s long and extraordinary history earns it its name: The Ponte Vecchio, which translates to the old bridge. It also draws in large crowds. Blake Hannan, who was visiting with his wife, said that she really wanted to see The Ponte Vecchio, so they had to make it a part of their itinerary.

Blake Hannan was eager to learn more about Florence's "old bridge."

When asked why he thought it was unique, he responded, “Probably how old it is. It’s super cool how it’s been around for so long.”

A Bridge Like No Other

The strength of The Ponte Vecchio relies completely on its innovative construction. The foundation is constructed on three barrel vaults which are supported by two embankment abutments and two piers with triangle prows that lessen the pressure of the river’s current on the piers. The Ponte Vecchio only having two piers supporting it was truly a marvel when it was built, as previous bridges required more support.

Pietra forte, or Florentine brownstone, makes up the piers that sit on the foundation of the bridge and are held together with cement. The same materials were used to construct the arches that stretch from side to pier, pier to pier and pier to side. Laid on top of this base is the common sturdy cobblestone seen throughout Florence.

The arches and flooring of The Ponte Vecchio are original stone.

Besides the construction of the bridge, what makes The Ponte Vecchio unique is the shops that line the street. Instead of small artist stands or fruit vendors like one might expect to spot in a tourist-heavy location, there are actual storefronts with permanent vendors.

“I think that all the shops along the road are very interesting and how they’ve kind of built it on top of the bridge,” said Rachel Cochran, who was crossing over The Ponte Vecchio. “I guess you don’t see that in America where I’m from – you don’t often see shops on bridges; it’s just a means to get across the river.”

Rachel Cochran is visiting with her family from Florida.

When these shops were originally constructed, they housed butchers and fishmongers. The smell created by these shops became so foul that in 1593, Ferdinand I decreed that only jewelers and goldsmiths could inhabit the shops. That rule is still in place today, as The Ponte Vecchio is lined with gold and jewelry stores.

Shopping

Though many use Ponte Vecchio as a means to get quickly from one side of Florence to the other, the shimmering jewelry in the windows of shops lining the streets often tempts those passing through to stop and take a look.

The Ponte Vecchio's stores feature jewelry of almost every kind.

“Honestly, the place we’re staying is over there and we’re going to the Duomo,” Rachel laughed when asked what brought her to The Ponte Vecchio.

Before stopping for an interview, she had been peering into a shop window, admiring the jewelry. When asked if she had done any shopping yet, she replied, “I have not yet, but I am thinking of it. I have stopped along some of the shops!”

She’s not the only one who has been trapped by the sights and glamour of The Ponte Vecchio – hundreds of tourists stop at a time to shop and take pictures of the sparkling jewelry for sale.

An Added Experience

The unique construction of the bridge makes it a hub for culture and arts. The shops that line the bridge draw in vast amounts of tourists, providing large audiences for performers who sing and play music. It also is home to festivals such as Fiorita, which honors Fra' Girolamo Savonarola, who was burned at the stake on May 23, 1498.

Every time you cross The Ponte Vecchio, you'll likely spot a new musician!

Every evening, there’s at least one musician set up in the central plaza. Guitarists, singers and occasionally multi-person bands populate the bridge and perform to decent-sized crowds cheering them on. These musicians often sell CDs of their music so that their newly acquired fans can continue listening to and supporting them from wherever they call home.

When festivals occur, The Ponte Vecchio is usually a part of it due to its historical significance. For example, Fiorita, which took place on May 23, featured a parade of costumed citizens playing musical instruments. It concluded with rose petals being tossed into the Arno River in remembrance of Fra' Girolamo Savonarola.

The magic of The Ponte Vecchio continues to draw in visitors and locals alike time after time. The Ponte Vecchio is a historical piece of architecture that is not merely a means to an end but an experience that truly feels like you never left the bustling streets of Florence.