Florence is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Tuscany region of Italy, with a remarkable historical background. The city is full of ancient monuments, heritage sites, old bridges and many other ancient sites, the most prominent of which is the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Located on the banks of the Arno River, it is one of the many bridges in the beautiful city of Florence. Spanning the narrowest point of the River Vecchio, the Ponte Vecchio, a small but one of the most important bridges in Florence, connects the Pitti Palace with the Piazza Duomo with the Piazza Repubblica.
About Ponte Vecchio Bridge
It was revived several times after being ruined by repeated floods. This stone segmental arch bridge with closed spandrels consists of three arches with segments, the middle arch having an area of 98 feet (30 m), and the other two secondary arches on either side spanning 89 feet. (27m) each. It is constructed in such a way that the span ratio is 5:1, while the rise of this span ranges between 11’6″ to 14’6″ (3.5 to 4.5 metres).
It has a total of four towers that served as a defensive mechanism in the past, although the Tor dei Mainelli is the only tower that is now functioning. It was then placed at the south-east corner of this bridge.
Historical significance of Ponte Vecchio Bridge
The Ponte di Vecchio is one of the ancient bridges of Florence, built in the Roman era, in 996, over the Arno River, close to the Roman crossing. It was the only bridge that retained its individuality until 1218 as there were no other bridges. Made till then. Initially it was flooded in 1117 and was rebuilt using stone, however, in 1333 it was again flooded. Ultimately, it was properly repaired in 1345. Although the bridge was not much damaged, the problem of water logging continued.
This bridge is famous for being the only bridge that lasted until World War II, as all the bridges except this one were bombed during the return of the Nazis in 1944. It is believed that it was ordered by Hitler to maintain it, perhaps because the treasures belonging to the Uffizi Gallery were deposited here. However, while the bridge was not bombed, it was blocked at both ends by the ruins of demolished buildings on either side.
Must read: Italy in December: Top 6 places that will make you experience the best of this winter paradise!
Places of importance on the Ponte Vecchio Firenze
As it was being constructed, it was causing obstruction to the Vasari Corridor, so the corridor was routed around the tower, making the bridge appear flabby.
1. Vasari Corridor
These were aligned at the edge leaving enough space for passage in the middle and was called the famous Vasari Corridor. The Ponte Vecchio Firenze, connecting the Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace, was actually this secret channel built by Vasari in 1565 for the Duke of Cosimo I de’Medici.
In 1953, the Medici’s successor – Ferdinando – improved this structure by replacing butcher shops, tanneries and fish markets (which brought a lot of stink and dirt) with jewellery, art galleries and souvenir shops.
To this day it remains one of the major centers of Florence, bustling with commercial activity, including the gold trade. These shops overlooking the central thoroughfare are still there, each with a storeroom that was built on the river Ponte Vecchio.
Read suggestions: 16 stunning beaches in Italy for the best holidays
2. Statue of Benvenuto Cellini
The central part of the bridge had two terraces with picturesque views. The eastern terrace between the shops was an integral part of the Vasari corridor and the other terrace took pride in displaying the magnificent statue of Benvenuto Cellini who was a multi-talented goldsmith. This artwork was created by Raffaello, a famous sculptor of those days. Today this place is one of the major attractions for tourists visiting Florence.
3. Ponte Vecchio Padlock
image Source
Based on a popular myth, lovers would visit the monument of Benvenuto Cellini, hang locks on the gates and throw the keys into the river below the Ponte Vecchio, wishing for everlasting love and bond. While the Ponte Vecchio locks are still suspended at the gates of this property, new attempts to continue this practice are strongly discouraged by imposing monetary fines as a step towards protecting the heritage property.
The Ponte di Vecchio holds a kind of record for the most number of photographs. The outline of dense jewelery shops along the bridge creates a dazzling picture not only during the day but also in the evening, when the display of light effects reflects on the calm water, creating a picturesque scene which tourists love to capture. We do. ,
Read suggestions: 10 Best Hostels in Italy That Are Perfect for an Affordable Stay
Places to visit around Ponte Vecchio
While the entire area of Ponte Vecchio is a complete tourist destination in itself and has everything to offer, there are many places around it that are worth visiting and are full of tourists all the time.
1.Piazza del Signoria
One of the major tourist destinations of Florence is the Piazza del Signoria, which is actually the city square, which is connected to most of the other places of interest like the Uffizi Museum, Palazzo Vecchio, Puente Vecchio Bridge, Loggia dei Lanzi, etc. Centuries ago, it served as a political centre. It is also a center where notable statues are displayed, among them the statue of Hercules, Perseus with the head of Medusa, the fountain of Caucus, Neptune and a duplicate copy of the statue of David by Michelangelo.
2.Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is a famous art museum located near the Piazza del Signoria. The museum is spread over two floors of this huge building built in the 14th century. It houses some of the most priceless masterpieces of the Renaissance period including Lippi, Botticelli, Giotto, Simone Martini, Leonardo, Michelangelo etc. It even includes ancient statues and busts of the Medici family, as well as rare Roman replicas of lost Greek statues. , Decorate this place. If anyone is looking for knowledge in the field of art and architecture then this place is a must visit.
Read suggestions: 6 Stunning Churches in Italy That Look Like Something Out of an Artist’s Dream!
3. Pitti Palace
This heritage site, known as Palazzo Pitti, is one of the most grand and spacious palaces of the Renaissance period and is within walking distance of the Ponte Vecchio. It is located on the southern bank of the Ponte Vecchio River and is actually a huge building that has been converted into a treasure trove of artwork. It has several museums, namely a) Palatine Museum b) Silver Museum, c) Porcelain Museum d) Modern Art Gallery e) Costume Gallery or Galleria del Costume.
4. Boboli Garden
Located behind the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens is another top tourist destination. It is a park more than 400 years old, restored and redesigned for the Medici and serving the purpose of a theatre, where the first opera was staged.
A classic example of an Italian garden, it has now been converted into an open-air museum housing a collection of famous artworks from the ancient and Renaissance periods. Many fountains and caves are also an integral part of this park. It also has a theater known as the Nymphaeum.
Read suggestions: With only 2 weeks in Italy, these fascinating places should be on your itinerary!
5. Florence Art Gallery Academy
This is another museum, although it has much more historical relevance as it houses the famous statue of David by Michelangelo. It was founded by the Grand Duke of Tuscany and its purpose was to teach students of fine arts. Of all the galleries in Florence, it stands out because it surrounds the only bridge with shops and residences in its own right.
Some tips you should keep in mind
Ponte Vecchio is a crowded area as it is a pedestrian-only bridge with many tourist sites, so going there in the first hour helps to avoid the noise. Security is tight here as despite traffic being closed, police vehicles are always seen patrolling here. It is wheelchair-friendly and also excellent for strollers, as the bridge is on a single level with no stairs. It is best to tour this place on foot, although hop on hop off tours are equally good. It is also well connected to the Oltrarno area which is a center of good restaurants and cafés.
read ahead: Shopping in Italy: 6 best places for extraordinary fun for shopaholics
The Ponte Vecchio bridge is an integral part of Florence, the capital of Tuscany. It is located across the Arno River, barely a block from the Uffizi Gallery and other major sights of Florence. Millions of travelers flock to the Tuscany capital to visit and explore the Ponte Vecchio and other historical sites. They also get a good dose of the art and architecture contained there from the Renaissance period. Hence a trip to Italy would be incomplete if one does not visit this ancient bridge as well as its surrounding areas.
Are you looking to book an international holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TourTravelHotels with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
Source link