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Ponte Vecchio, Florence

Ponte Vecchio, Firenze, Toscana

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 Historically it was occupied by farmers, butcher, and tanners but today they have been replaced by jewellers, souvenir and art shops.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.

Meta review

An icon of the city that is very regularly featured in travel magazines and blogs. Online reviewers do acknowledge the romantic side but it is so crowded with tourists (and crammed with jewellery shops) that it is best enjoyed and photographed from other vantage points such as the Ponte alle Grazie or Ponte Santa Trinita, depending on the time of the day (and where the sun is in the sky).

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:0h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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