Ponte Vecchio

As our hotel was in two minutes walk from Ponte Vecchio the bridge became the first destination of our night time walk around Florence.

Ponte Vecchio is also called the Old Bridge and the Bridge of Gold. It is called the Old Bridge because it was built in 1345 and it was the only bridge in the city which wasn’t blown up during World War II.

Ponte Vecchio

As for the name “The Bridge of Gold” the bridge has got it because there have been a lot of jewellery stores and workshops on it for over 500 years. They are usually open during the day and in the evening.

Part of the bridge is a private passageway (Corridoio Vasariano) built for the Medici family to connect Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio. The passage was designed in 1565. The corridor is now closed to the public but it is possible to arrange a private opening to visit it.

Ponte Vecchio is especially beautiful at sunset though you can enjoy it any time. In the middle of Ponte Vecchio stands the statue of the well-known sculptor Cellini, the author of the statue of Perseus. When walking around the city at night we saw a group of rock musicians who created wonderful atmosphere with their music.

Ponte Vecchio at sunset

I hope you will appreciate these photos of buildings I took on the River Arno in Florence. After an hour walk on Ponte Vecchio we went to look for the Piglet.