The only bridge where people still live. Review of Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy, noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. Th…
What is the Ponte Vecchio in Florence famous for?
The Ponte Vecchio is known for the many shops on and around the bridge, which used to be the domain of blacksmiths, tanners and butchers. They used the Arno river in Florence as a landfill. However, Duke Fernandino made sure they left because they caused too much noise and stench.
What is the Ponte Vecchio made of?
The Ponte Vecchio is said to have existed since Roman times. The bridge was then only made of wood and after the flooding of the bridge in 1333, the Ponte Vecchio was rebuilt in stone in 1345. The bridge consists of three arches, of which the middle one is the largest at thirty meters in length.
Why is the Ponte Vecchio closed to the public?
This curious architectural design was commissioned by Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici. It is currently a museum, but closed to the general public. During World War II, the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in Florence not to be mined by the German troops.
What kind of shops are in Ponte Vecchio?
Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. The Ponte Vecchio's two neighbouring bridges are the Ponte Santa Trinita and the Ponte alle Grazie .
Why is Ponte Vecchio so famous?
Ponte Vecchio, (Italian: “Old Bridge”) the first segmental arch bridge built in the West, which crosses over the Arno River at Florence and is an outstanding engineering achievement of Europe's Middle Ages. Its builder, Taddeo Gaddi, completed the bridge in 1345.
What is the Ponte Vecchio used for today?
The medieval Ponte Vecchio, or “Old Bridge,” is one of the most charming and iconic sites in Florence. It was built in 1345 as the first bridge over the Arno River to be used as a system of defense. Today, Ponte Vecchio is known for its teeming shops, including many jewelers, art sellers and antique boutiques.
What is unique about the Ponte Vecchio?
Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in Florence that survived World War II. During the Nazi retreat in August 1944, all of the Florentine bridges were bombed and destroyed except one: luckily enough, Ponte Vecchio was spared!
Can you walk across the Ponte Vecchio?
Once on the bridge, apart from some viewpoints out to the river you could just be walking down a street. Walking across Ponte Vecchio, two wide terraces open out on to an incredible view of Florence's river.
How do you pronounce Ponte Vecchio in Italian?
0:160:47How to pronounce Ponte Vecchio? (CORRECTLY) Meaning ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSee you there to learn more.MoreSee you there to learn more.
Who owns Ponte Vecchio?
Bringing authentic Northern Italian cuisine to Southern California has been quite the adventure for Restaurant Owner and Executive Chef Daniel Nobili.
Why was Ponte Vecchio not destroyed?
During World War II, the Ponte Vecchio was not destroyed by the German army during their retreat at the advance of the British 8th Army on 4 August 1944, unlike all the other bridges in Florence. This was, according to many locals and tour guides, because of an express order by Hitler.
What is the oldest bridge in Florence?
Ponte VecchioPonte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, is one of the top attractions of the city.
What is the famous river in Florence?
Arno River"The Arno River, the largest and most famous river in central Italy, originated in the Apennines, which crosses famous Florence and Pisa.
Is Ponte Vecchio The oldest bridge in Italy?
The (secret) old bridge over the Arno river in Firenze Italy The oldest bridge in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio, literally 'the old bridge' and contains a secret corridor between Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti in addition to numerous jewelers.
How walkable is Florence Italy?
Florence is a city best explored on foot, it is the perfect walkable size and there is so much to see at street level. Your walk starts at the Duomo. 8:30am – If you're coming from Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station, make your way down Via Panzani to the Duomo.
How long does it take to walk around Florence Italy?
The walk can take from 2 ½ to 3 hours and 15 minutes depending on how much you stop and rest. However, it is well worth the 3,3 miles (5,3 km) just to get off the beaten path, away from the crowds of tourists and to enjoy the city from a different perspective.
What was the orsanmichele used for?
Built by the city guilds, which encompassed both civil and religious functions, Orsanmichele was constructed in 1336, on the site of San Michele monastery's kitchen garden. Originally a grain market, it was converted into a church from 1380 to 1404 and used as a chapel for the craft and trade guilds.
What is the oldest bridge in Florence?
Ponte VecchioPonte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, is one of the top attractions of the city.
Is the Ponte Vecchio The oldest bridge in Florence?
The oldest bridge in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio, literally 'the old bridge' and contains a secret corridor between Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti in addition to numerous jewelers.
Why was the Ponte Vecchio bridge rebuilt in what year?
The floods of the Arno River often got the better of Ponte Vecchio before 1345. It fell for the last time in 1333 due to its unsupportive construction. In 1345, the Florentines rebuilt it with three segmental arches for extra insurance. This is the bridge that survived a flood in 1966 and remains standing today.
Where is the Ponte Vecchio?
The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge", Italian pronunciation: [ˈponte ˈvɛkkjo]) is a medieval stone closed- spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy. It is noted for the shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers, tanners, and farmers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. The Ponte Vecchio's two neighboring bridges are the Ponte Santa Trinita and the Ponte alle Grazie .
What happened to Ponte Vecchio?
Access to the Ponte Vecchio was, however, obstructed by the destruction of the buildings at both ends of the bridge, which have since been rebuilt using a combination of original and modern designs. The bridge was severely damaged in the 1966 flood of the Arno.
Why was Ponte Vecchio not destroyed?
During World War II, the Ponte Vecchio was not destroyed by the German army during their retreat at the advance of the British 8th Army on 4 August 1944 , unlike all the other bridges in Florence. This was, according to many locals and tour guides, because of an express order by Hitler.
Where is the dedication stone on the Torre dei Mannelli?
Sheltered in a little loggia at the central opening of the bridge is a weathered dedication stone, which once read Nel trentatrè dopo il mille-trecento, il ponte cadde, per diluvio dell' acque: poi dieci anni, come al Comun piacque, rifatto fu con questo adornamento. The Torre dei Mannelli was built at the southeast corner of the bridge to defend it.
When was the Ponte Nuovo bridge built?
The bridge spans the Arno at its narrowest point where it is believed that a bridge was first built in Roman times, when the via Cassia crossed the river at this point. The Roman piers were of stone, the superstructure of wood. The bridge first appears in a document of 996 and was destroyed by a flood in 1117 and reconstructed in stone. In 1218 the Ponte alla Carraia, a wooden structure, was established nearby which led to it being referred to as "Ponte Nuovo" relative to the older (Vecchio) structure. It was swept away again in 1333 except for two of its central piers, as noted by Giovanni Villani in his Nuova Cronica. It was rebuilt in 1345.
How many arches are there in Torre dei Mannelli?
The Torre dei Mannelli was built at the southeast corner of the bridge to defend it. The bridge consists of three segmental arches: the main arch has a span of 30 meters (98 feet) the two side arches each span 27 meters (89 feet).
How many padlocks were there around the Cellini bust?
Between 2005 and 2006, 5,500 padlocks, known as love locks, which were attached to the railings around the bust of Cellini, were removed by the city council. According to the council, the padlocks were aesthetically displeasing and damaged the bust and its railings.
What are some interesting facts about Ponte Vecchio?
The Ponte Vecchio or ‘Old Bridge’, that joins the centre of city with the district of Oltrarno on the south bank of the river Arno, is surely one of the great icons of Florence and one of the most famous bridges in the world. It crosses the river at its narrowest point within ...
Who built Ponte Vecchio?
1: Who built the Ponte Vecchio. In the 16th Century, the first art historian, Giorgio Vasari (responsible for the corridor above the bridge), credited the design of the bridge to the Florentine artist and architect Taddeo Gaddi, a student of Giotto. But there is no other evidence to corroborate this, and Vasari wasn’t always right.
What is the name of the bridge that connects Verona to Ponte Vecchio?
The Castevecchio Bridge, Verona, mid-14th Century. This bridge gives a good impression of how the Ponte Vecchio and its predecessor were originally fortified. Photo: Starmaro/Shutterstock.com
Who was responsible for rebuilding the Ponte Vecchio?
Further downstream, the Ponte alla Carraia also collapsed in the flood of 1333, and Fra Giovanni da Campi, a Dominican friar of Santa Maria Novella, was the architect responsible for rebuilding it between 1334 and 1337. The Dominicans of Santa Maria Novella were experts in building large vaults, and the first to consistently use the term ‘architect’ (as opposed to master mason) in their documents. The audacious use of wide, flattened arches for the Ponte Vecchio – like those of the Ponte alla Carraia – strongly suggests the involvement of Giovanni da Campi or another Dominican. Da Campi could not have seen the construction through to completion, as he died just three months after the project was commenced in May 1339, but it could have been built to his design.
Why did Mussolini have the Vasari Corridor?
It may be just as well he did, because when the retreating German forces blew up all the other bridges in 1944 to slow down the advancing Allies , they left the Ponte Vecchio intact, instead reducing the buildings at both ends of the bridge to rubble, in order to block the streets.
Why is Ponte Vecchio so famous?
As well as the bridge’s houses, the Ponte Vecchio became famous for its numerous padlocks that covered the sides of the bridge. Couples would buy a padlock, write their names on it and fasten it to railings, a symbol of eternal love.
What is the most famous landmark in Florence?
The Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s most legendary symbol, just like the Colosseum is the most famous landmark in Rome. It is also considered by many as the most romantic spot in Florence.
What is the oldest stone bridge in Europe?
with its hanging houses and shops, the Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in the world, and what's more this "Old Bridge" is the oldest stone brige in Europe.
What is the old bridge?
The “Old Bridge” also houses the Vasari Corridor, a passageway that runs along the east side of the bridge and connects the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti. This curious architectural design was commissioned by Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici. It is currently a museum, but closed to the general public.
Why were the shops on the Pitti overpass closed?
The houses built along the overpass were mainly butcher’s shops during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries but, when the court was moved to the Palazzo Pitti, Ferdinando I de’ Medici ordered the shops to be closed because of the bad odour. Since then, the shops have been owned by goldsmiths and jewellers.
Is Ponte Vecchio a good place to stop?
The Ponte Vecchio is a good place to stop and rest, if you don’t mind thousands of people walking past .
What is the Ponte Vecchio?
Top 10 Facts about the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Ponte Vecchio is an old-fashioned stone arch bridge that crosses over the Arno River in Florence, Italy. The bridge is a closed-spandrel segment with shops built along with it. These shops are occupied by jewellers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. Ponte Santa Trinita and ...
What happened to Ponte Vecchio?
There have been a series of floods that damaged the bridge. Several renovations later, the old wooden bridge was replaced with this stone one that was spared during WWII. It is now a famous landmark in Florence. Here are some facts about Ponte Vecchio that you may not have known. 1.
Why did Hitler build a corridor on Ponte Vecchio?
Benito Mussolini built a corridor on the bridge to stay away from the stench that cane from the meat market.
Why did Medici ban butchers from the bridge?
To improve the status and clean up the bridge, Medici banned the butchers from operating on the bridge in 1593.
How many shops were built on Ponte Vecchio?
They, therefore, built shops on the bridge and rented them to the locals. There are 46 shops built out of stone, the previous shops were built of wood and caught fire quite often.
Why did Mussolini build a corridor on the bridge?
Benito Mussolini built a corridor on the bridge to stay away from the stench that cane from the meat market. He also wanted his guest, Adolf Hitler, to enjoy the view of Florence from the corridor. Mussolini ordered that three windows removed and, in their place, a large window was built.
What river did the attackers use to attack Florence?
Even though Florence was surrounded by walls, the attackers would use boats along river Arno.
How long is Ponte Vecchio?
The bridge of Ponte Vecchio is 105 ft wide and 276 ft long with three main segmental arches spanning 98 ft each with the other two segments having a span of 89 ft. The rise of the parts is 3.5 m at the sides and 4.4m in the middle with a 5:1 span-rise ratio. It was the only bridge in existence well into 1218 which was built in stone and replaced the wooden deck of 1117’s floods. The 1333 waves spared only the central piers and historians. As it is not sure whether Neri di Fioravanti, Giovanni da Campi the architect and Dominican friar of Santa Vvella’s Ponte Alla Carraia or Taddeo Gaddi the student of master artist and craftsman Giotto built the Ponte Vecchio.
How long does it take to visit Ponte Vecchio?
2 to 3 days you will need at least to explore Florence though a day is sufficient to explore Ponte Vecchio and its closeby landmarks. The best time to beat the crowds at the Ponte Vecchio is the early morning between 8:30 a.m., and night after 9 p.m. The shops begin their day by 9 am though the Ponte Vecchio itself works through the week 10 am to 7 pm with a Sunday holiday.
Why Adolf Hitler never destroyed Ponte Vecchio?
By removing the three original center windows of Ponte Vecchio bridge forms a terrace for Adolf Hitler to view the beauty of Florence on 9th of May 1938. Hitler liked what he saw and ordered the retreating German army in 1944 not to harm the bridge when trying to stop the advance of the allied forces. They tore down the buildings on either side of the bridge instead! The man behind this was Gerhard Wolf, the serving consul in Florence who declared an honorary citizen of Florence in 1955 and 2007 a marble plaque dedicated to him at Ponte Vecchio.
What is the name of the bridge that connects the Arno to the city centre?
The Ponte Vecchio which also means the ‘Old Bridge’ on the Arno conjoins the Firenze City Centre to the Oltarno district on the south Arno banks. One of the exceptional bridges in the world with a quirky history. The iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge spans the narrowest portion of the Arno as it moves within the city. The two neighbouring bridges of Ponte alle Grazie and the Ponte Santa Trinita complete the trio.
Why were the towers built at Ponte Vecchio?
Though Florence had fortified walls, the river at Ponte Vecchio was a source of attacks by invaders. Four towers were built to keep watch over the river. The Manelli Tower on the southern side was strategic and fortified and is the only one that has survived the travails of time. So great was the importance of the tower that the Medicci family who built their Vasari Corridor aligned a work-around of the tower at the southeast end of Ponte Vecchio Florence. The river below is a beautiful ride in the tiny old boats recently renovated by the Renaiolis.
What are the bus stations closest to Ponte Vecchio?
Melegnano, Palazzuolo, Ognissanti, Ponte Vespucci and Autostazione Sita are the bus stations closest to the Ponte Vecchio. Looking for the bus route numbers that can get you to a station close to Ponte Vecchio? Buses with route numbers Bus: #23, #365 A, #C2, #371 A, #302 A, and the #SI 330 all cover stations close to the Ponte Vecchio.
What is the best food in Firenze?
Typical Italian food has flavour and variety. Go ahead and try all the types of Firenze Italian food be it the Bottarga smoked eggs, Margherita of Naples, Lasagna or pasta, Fiorentina steaks, ragu, and béchamel sauces, Polenta, Ossobuco, Risotto, and many more exotic dishes. Don’t forget to try their desserts too! Firenze’s top places to eat are Trattoria Camillo, Il Magazzino, Zeb Gastronomia, Ristorante del Fagioli, Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò, Vini e Vecchi Sapori, Trattoria Sergio Gozzi, L’Osteria de L’Ortolano, Coquinarius. You must choose where and what to eat and try out and since you will be travelling Firenze it pays to know the names of the best and not-so-expensive restaurants and food options.
How long has Ponte Vecchio been around?
History of Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio is said to have existed since Roman times. The bridge was then only made of wood and after the flooding of the bridge in 1333, the Ponte Vecchio was rebuilt in stone in 1345. The bridge consists of three arches, of which the middle one is the largest at thirty meters in length.
Why did the Ponte Vecchio leave Florence?
They used the Arno river in Florence as a landfill. However, Duke Fernandino made sure they left because they caused too much noise and stench.
What is the secret passage across Ponte Vecchio?
The secret passage across the Ponte Vecchio. People who have read Dan Brown's Inferno have heard of the Corridoio Vasariano, Vasari's secret corridor. This elevated corridor crosses the shops of the Ponte Vecchio and connects the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace.
How many arches are there in the Ponte Vecchio bridge?
The bridge consists of three arches, of which the middle one is the largest at thirty meters in length. In the center of the bridge is a bust of Benvenuto Cellini, an Italian artist who started his career as a goldsmith on Ponte Vecchio.
What is the oldest bridge in Florence?
The most striking and oldest bridge in Florence still in existence is the Ponte Vecchio, literally: the old bridge. The Ponte Vecchio was designed by a student of Giotto, Taddeo Gaddi and was finished in 1345.
Overview
The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy. It is noted for the shops built along it; building shops on such bridges was once a common practice. Butchers, tanners, and farmers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. The Ponte Vecchio's two neighborin…
History and construction
The bridge spans the Arno at its narrowest point where it is believed that a bridge was first built in Roman times, when the via Cassia crossed the river at this point. The Roman piers were of stone, the superstructure of wood. The bridge first appears in a document of 996 and was destroyed by a flood in 1117 and reconstructed in stone. In 1218 the Ponte alla Carraia, a wooden structure, was established nearby which led to it being referred to as "Ponte Nuovo" relative to the older (Vecchi…
Later additions and changes
In order to connect the Palazzo Vecchio (Florence's town hall) with the Palazzo Pitti, in 1565 Cosimo I de' Medici had Giorgio Vasari build the Vasari Corridor, part of which runs above the Ponte Vecchio.
To enhance the prestige and clean up the bridge, a decree was made in 1595 that excluded butchers from this bridge (only goldsmiths and jewelers are allowed) that is in effect to this day. …
20th century
In 1900, to honor and mark the fourth century of the birth of the great Florentine sculptor and master goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, the leading goldsmiths of the bridge commissioned the Florentine sculptor, Raffaello Romanelli, to create a bronze bust of Cellini to stand atop a fountain in the middle of the Eastern side of the bridge, where it stands to this day.
In art
• The bridge is mentioned in the aria "O mio babbino caro" by Giacomo Puccini.
• Wall mural in Grossi Florentino, executed by students of Napier Waller under supervision
See also
• Krämerbrücke
• Pulteney Bridge
Notes
1. ^ Ponte Vecchio. Encyclopædia Britannica. 2007.
2. ^ "Dizionario d'ortografia e di pronunzia" (in Italian). Rai. Retrieved 2010-02-24.
3. ^ Dupré, Judith (2017). Bridges: A History of the World's Most Spectacular Spans (Google Books). New York: Hachette/Black Dog & Leventhal. ISBN 978-0-316-47380-4. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
External links
• Independent study of Ponte Vecchio with Pictures
• Ponte Vecchio at Structurae
• Ponte Vecchio, Florence
• Ponte Vecchio Overview