Description

Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is perhaps the most famous bridge crossing the Arno in Florence. Spanning the narrowest segment of the river, the bridge is steeped in a rich and varied history, and offers some interesting insights into Florentine culture. The Ponte Vecchio is famous for its overhanging shops. Butchers once populated the shops themselves until Cosimo I—who lived near the Ponte Vecchio and crossed it daily—had them all evicted and replaced with silversmiths and jewel vendors, all because he couldn’t stand the smell.