Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio, spanning the Arno River, was built in 1345 and is the only ancient bridge remaining in Florence. Originally a two-story wooden bridge with a roof, the upper level served as a walkway connecting the Pitti Palace on the south bank of the river to the Uffizi offices. This allowed the ruling family and palace staff to commute without being exposed to the sun or mingling with commoners for over 500 years. Unfortunately, during World War II, the Nazis bombed both ends of the bridge to slow the Allied forces' advance. Historically, the bridge housed butcher shops and tanneries. However, during the reign of Ferdinando I (1549–1609) of the Medici family, who was beloved by the people, the unpleasant smell from the butcher shops became intolerable. He ordered the butchers to leave and replaced them with goldsmiths and jewelers. Today, the bridge is lined with jewelry shops instead of meat vendors.