Ponte Vecchio
Florence, Firenze, Italy

A view of Ponte Vecchio from the next bridge east (Ponte alle Grazie) on the River Arno, Florence, Italy.

Built originally by the Romans at the river's narrowest point, Ponte Vecchio was washed away in a flood in 1117, then rebuilt in 1345. During World War II as the Germans retreated from Florence in 1944 all bridges were destroyed, except the Vecchio, supposedly on Hitler's orders.

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Click top or bottom images to see Piazza dell Signoria, or Santa Croce, Duomo, Baptistry

Entering Ponte Vecchio from the south side. This doesn't much look like a regular bridge from any angle!

A bust on the bridge of one of Firenze's most famous and controversial medieval artists, Benevenuto Cellini, looking west from the bridge. Born in 1500 in Firenze, Cellini was a famed sculptor, silversmith, soldier and hooligan.

Looking east from tourist-packed Ponte Vecchio in mid-summer.

Two of the ancient, traditional jewellery shops on the bridge, one open, one (almost) closed, just two minutes from the bridge is the Uffizi Gallery and immediately beyond that is the fabulous Piazza della Signoria.

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Firenze, Florenz