Ponte Vecchio is the oldest standing bridge in Florence. Believed to have been built during Ancient Roman times, the earliest known identification of the bridge appears in a document written during the 10th century B.C. Discover the history of Ponte Vecchio in Florence before your visit.
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The Historical Ponte Vecchio in Florence
Ponte Vecchio (Italian for old bridge) is a patchwork of Florence’s history that tells a story of war, power, and money. It’s an iconic landmark built during the Ancient Roman period that rose to prominence during the Renaissance. Today, this medieval arch bridge stands strong, surviving to tell the story of the Renaissance capital.
One of the top things to see in Florence (and number three in the video below), the most spectacular view of the bridge is along the river bank. From here, stand in awe of the structure’s beauty and notice a few of its peculiarities. Don’t miss Ponte Vecchio when you’re in Florence, and here’s a bit of historical context before your visit.
Ponte Vecchio’s Merchants, Corridor, and Windows
Situated between the Ponte Santa Trinita and the Ponte alle Grazie on the river Arno, Ponte Vecchio is believed to have first been built by the Romans. The bridge succumbed to powerful floods in 1117 and 1333 before being permanently rebuilt in 1345. Its current design was conceived by the Italian architect and painter Taddeo Gaddi.
The buildings clinging onto the bridge are shops that have been on Ponte Vecchio since the 13th century. Initially, there were all types of shops, including butchers and fishmongers. Here, they would let the waste from cleaning and preparing their meats fall directly into the river.
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The Origin of Bankruptcy
Local merchants capitalized on the frequency of foot traffic crossing the bridge by setting up tables to sell their goods. It is here that the concept of bankruptcy is said to have originated. Merchants unable to pay their debts had their tables broken to stop them from selling any more goods. As a result, the merchant was declared banca rotta—meaning broken bank.
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Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David
Michelangelo is considered the greatest Renaissance artist and the David statue is widely known as his masterpeice. Join our English speaking guide as you skip the line to Accademia and see David. Then venture out to see the center of Florence including the Duomo (outside), Baptistry Doors, Leather Market, and more. Admissions included.
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Skip the line Uffizi Gallery Tour
The Uffizi Gallery is the most visited museum in Florence for good reason. Join our English speaking licensed Uffizi guide for a journey through the Medician Renaissance. Learn all the stories behind the very art that brought our world out of the darkness. All admissions included.
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The Crown Jewels of Florence
When Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, moved into the Pitti Palace along the Arno river’s south bank, he constructed the Vasari Corridor, which runs above the whole length of the bridge. In order to mitigate the risk of assassination, Cosimo I had the architect Vasari design a corridor that would connect his home with his office in the Piazza della Signoria. The corridor spans almost one kilometer and boasts panoramic views of the Arno river.
While butchers originally monopolized the Ponte Vecchio beginning in 1442, a 1595 decree designed to elevate the prestige of the Vasari Corridor was enforced. It prohibited butchers from selling meat on the bridge and replaced them with gold and silversmiths. To this day, jewelers are the sole merchants on Ponte Vecchio.
The Legend of Ponte Vecchio’s Large Windows
The larger windows lining the center of Ponte Vecchio are from 1939 when Mussolini ordered the creation of one large viewing gallery for Adolf Hitler’s visit.
Allegedly, Hitler admired the view so much that he had Ponte Vecchio spared from the 1944 destruction that led to the ruin of Florence’s other bridges.
The Best Way To Experience Florence
For the best experience of Florence’s iconic landmarks like Ponte Vecchio, the city’s rich history and artworks, and delicious Florentine cuisine, join our Florence full-day tour.
We lead Florence tours of all kinds, from Tuscany countryside wine-tasting tours to Accademia and Uffizi Gallery tours and a Florence food tour complete with Florentine steak—guaranteed to make your experience in Florence a memorable one.
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Where to Stay in Florence
Florence has a small historical center packed with iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay in the best neighborhoods in this beautiful city.
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