The Secrets of the Ponte Vecchio
The Secrets of the Ponte Vecchio Travel & Tourism Alongside David in the Uffizi, and the famous dome of Cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio is the essential stopping point on all Florence tours. Gazing down at the waters of the River Arno, gleaming in the sunshine , and reflecting the towers of the city, it’s not hard to see why. But how much do you know about the secrets of Italy’s most iconic bridge? The Origins of the Bridge The Ponte Vecchio is not the first bridge on this site. The current structure dates back to 1345-50, which replaced even older bridges, which had collapsed from flooding in 1333. The bridge originally served as a defensive structure, with battlements spanning its length, and two fortified towers at either end. The Ponte Vecchio came to take on a different purpose, however, which can be hard to imagine today: from 1442, it was home to rows upon rows of butcher’s shops. The bridge was ideal for disposing waste directly into the river below, ke...