Ponte Vecchio

This bridge is called the Ponte Vecchio, and it spans the Arno River. In 1333, flooding from the Arno washed away the wooden bridge, but the bridge that was rebuilt in 1345 is the same bridge you see in this picture!


During WWII, a German commander was ordered to blow up all the bridges that cross the Arno River. He blew up all the others, but he did not destroy the Ponte Vecchio completely. He messed it up pretty well - so that no one could get across it - but he left it intact.

A close-up view of the bridge

Laura in front of the Ponte Vecchio

A view looking the other direction - looking across the Arno River

Laura on the bridge itself. The bridge used to have butcher shops and other, more practical shops on it. Today, (and beginning in the 16th century), it has gold and silver shops on it.

Laura and me on the Ponte Vecchio with the Arno in the background

This is a passageway that was built by the Medici family. The passageway is on top of the shops on the bridge, and it goes from the Palazza Vecchio, through the Uffizi, across the Ponte Vecchio, and to the Medici home, which is four blocks away. The Medicis would use it to avoid commoners and as an escape route when necessary.

Another look at the passageway above the shops

Bridges are fun!!!