bridge Vecchio Florence

The Ponte Vecchio (meaning old bridge in Italian) is the oldest of Florence's six bridges spanning over the Arno River and it is one of the city's most famous and best known images. It is located at the narrowest point of the Arno in Florence. The original construction goes back to the Roman times, and mention of the bridge Vecchio can be found in the 10th century. A flood destroyed the five arched bridge, and it was rebuilt in 1334 the way we know today. The characteristic overhanging shops have lined the bridge since the bridge’s earliest date. The shops of the greengrocers, butchers and fishmongers were eventually replaced by goldsmiths, milliners and tailors. Tradesmen who occupy the bridge to this day are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. The bridge and shops were severely damaged in the 1966 flood, but since then they have been rebuilt.