The Ponte Vecchio, Florence's lifeline

There is evidence that an ancient wooden bridge crossed the River Arno as far back as the Roman Empire, linking the two banks of the small, unimportant town that was Florence at the time. This first bridge was swept away by a flood in 1333, by which time the city was already developing into one of the most flourishing cities in Italy.

This led to the decision to build a bridge that was not only more solid, but also more beautiful and more majestic: in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio was completed, in a version close to the one we can still admire today. It crosses the river at its narrowest point in three arches, linking the right bank of the Arno, or Lungarno, with the left bank, Oltrarno.

Initially, the Ponte Vecchio was home to the city's butchers and tanners, making it easier for blood and odours to be transported out of the city along the water. But not enough for Ferdinand I de' Medici's taste, who had them replaced by the city's jewellers and jewellers in 1593!

Before him, another Medici, Cosimo I, also added his own touch to the Ponte Vecchio: the Vasari Corridor. This long, entirely covered corridor, which runs above the shops, enabled the reigning family to reach the Palazzo Vecchio and the Palazzo Pitti on either side of the river, without ever mixing with the crowds.

The Ponte Vecchio is a survivor in Florence: at the end of the Second World War, all the bridges were destroyed during the German withdrawal... except for the venerable Ponte Vecchio, which was too narrow for tanks to pass through!

Fortunately for Florence and its many visitors, the Ponte Vecchio is now one of the city's landmark monuments and a must-see. The street that crosses it is dotted with jewellers' windows, which have been there since the 16th century! This could be the time to splurge, or to find a great gift...

At the centre of the Ponte Vecchio, the view opens out onto both banks of Florence at the level of the bust of Benvenuto Cellini, an illustrious Florentine goldsmith: the right bank is called Lungarno, in reference to the quays built along the Arno. This is the most touristic part of Florence, the historic heart where the city's must-sees are concentrated.

Oltrarno, on the other hand, refers to the left bank of Florence: an area not to be forgotten, less crowded and often more authentic, where you can find small local addresses and bars with a "bobo" atmosphere, such as on the San Niccolo side... Also a very pleasant place to set down your suitcases!

⏰ What are the opening times of the Ponte Vecchio?

The bridge itself is a street and remains open 24 hours a day. Goldsmiths' and jewellers' shops generally open from 10am to 7pm every day, with restricted opening hours on Sundays.

📷 When to visit the Ponte Vecchio?

The best photos are taken when the Ponte Vecchio is not yet overrun with tourists... as is often the case, you'll either have to get up early in the morning, for a pretty light over the waters of the Arno, or late at night, when the bridge is illuminated.