The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) over the Arno River is immediately striking at first glance for its unusual appearance.
Both sides of the bridge are lined with small shops and houses, which in the Middle Ages were home to butchers, greengrocers and tanners, who were later replaced by goldsmiths and jewellers, who have remained here ever since due to the unpleasant smell and waste (rubbish was dumped directly into the river).
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What is unique about the building is the so-called Vasari Corridor leading above the houses. Giorgio Vasari created it at the request of Cosimo I. Medici, who wanted a safe and sheltered passage between his two palaces on either side of the river.
History of the Ponte Vecchio
The Bridge of the Goldsmiths has stood on the site of its two predecessors since 1345, when it was designed by Neri di Fioravante. Brick shops and houses were built on the bridge almost as soon as it was built, for the practical reason of diverting waste directly into the river.
However, as we have already indicated, the dumping of animal waste into the Arno was unsustainable, so at the instigation of the town council during the 16th century the grocery shops were moved deeper into the centre and replaced by numerous gold and jewellery shops.
Vasari Corridor
The so-called Corridoio Vasariano, a brick corridor built in 1565 at the request of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo I, arches over the shops along the entire length of the bridge. Medici. He wanted a private passage between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti.
In fact, the architect Giorgio Vasari had to design a corridor more than 1 km long, which continues on both sides from the bridge to both palaces. Since 2016, Vasari's corridor has been closed for security reasons and it is uncertain whether its interior will ever be reopened to tourists.
Ponte Vecchio today
The gold and jewellery shops still survive on the Old Florence Bridge, supplemented only by a few souvenir shops.
In the middle of the bridge you will also come across a small square without shops, from where you can enjoy the view of the Arno River on both sides.
The Ponte Vecchio still serves its original purpose as a public link between the two banks. That's why it is accessible for free 24 hours a day.
Accommodation at Ponte Vecchio
If you'd like to enjoy the view of the Ponte Vecchio from your hotel room, you'll have to pay a little extra.
Virtually the only accommodation offering a view of the river and bridge from your room is the well-reviewed Hotel Continentale **** with prices from 202 eur per night/2-bed room.
A cheaper alternative is the Pontevecchio Relais, a private guesthouse with small cosy rooms, which offers prices from 110 eur/night.
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