Ponte Vecchio, Florence
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Ponte Vecchio, Florence - by Matt Hardy on Unsplash
Description
The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") is a medieval stone bridge spanning the Arno River in Florence. Its peculiarity are the shops built alongside it (on the structure itself), though it is not an exception in this regard. Historically it was occupied by farmers, butcher, and tanners but today they have been replaced by jewellers, souvenir and art shops. Built in the 13th century and rebuilt after being swept away during the 14th century, the Vasari Corridor was added in the 1560's to connect the Palazzo Vecchio (Florence's town hall) with the Palazzo Pitti. Technical trivia: the bridge is a closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge with a width a 32m and max span of 30m.
Access & Transport
The bridge is 150m southwest of the Uffizi Gallery / Piazza della Signoria, on the way to Pitti Palace about 300m away. Buses C3 and C4 stop on the southern bank
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a visit there with the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace or an exploration of the Oltrarno south bank neighbourhood.
Environmental & Social
No environmental impact but over-commercialized. Preserves the city's architectural heritage
Conclusion
Quaint and charming from the outside, go early morning to avoid the crowds. Quite over-hyped, in our opinion, but you are bound to cross over the river at some stage, so make it that bridge one way and another to take photographs on your way back.
Key positive
Historical aspects and central location
Photogenic
Key negative
Crowded
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:0h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo