Residential bridge in Florence. Italy, Florence “The Golden Bridge of Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Ponte Vecchio: one of the most interesting sights of modern Florence
This bridge is considered the oldest in all of Florence, and yet it is unlike any other bridge in Italy. Arch bridge, spanned across the narrowest point of the Arno River, to this day has retained its almost original appearance since its construction in 1345.
History of the attraction
Current bridge Ponte Vecchio in Florence today it spans the Arno River and is the subject of keen interest among tourists. It represents the third river crossing built in this place in Italy.
The first viaduct was built back in the era Ancient Rome . It was made of wood and stood on stone pylons. Having long outlived its builders, the crossing was destroyed in 1117 by a severe flood. The second bridge, built taking into account previous construction errors, lasted for almost two centuries, but it also suffered the same fate as the first - the severe flood of the Arno in 1333 destroyed Ponte Vecchio almost to the ground.
During the construction of the third viaduct, the architects had to work hard to finally find a solution in which the crossing would be strong enough to withstand the onslaught of water in the event of a possible river flood. By the way, this had to be tested in practice - many centuries later, in 1966, another rise in water flooded both the Ponte Vecchio and the Vasari Gallery, causing damage to both artisans’ shops and priceless works of art...
In the meantime, in the 14th century, Florentine architects were deciding how to combine architectural elegance and structural strength. By the way, historians are still racking their brains as to who is the author Who is the actual architect of the project? The fact is that according to some documents, the architect of the building is named Taddeo Gaddi, and later sources assure that the project belongs to Neri di Fioravante.
The name of the bridge is translated from Italian as “ Old Bridge».
Ponte Vecchio received its second name - Golden - not because it is of architectural value. Starting from the 16th century, traders of one or another product settled on the bridge, having received permission from the municipality to build retail shops. And most large number These shops belonged to jewelers. Only one shop that began trading from those times has survived to this day - a jewelry shop owned by the Peccini family.
According to medieval traditions, Ponte Vecchio was divided into 38 sections, on which trade was carried out. The traders lived here, in these same areas. Moreover, the store area was barely enough to place goods, so the shops were expanded and built on - they literally hung over the water. Today we can see the panorama of the landmark and small houses, as if stuck to its sides. By the way, shops and shops today have almost the same appearance as they did in the 16th century.
In the 20th century, during the Second World War, the bridge fortunately escaped the fate of being destroyed. In 1938, Adolf Hitler arrived in Florence for a visit. He got acquainted with the main attractions of the city, visited, on the Ponte Vecchio bridge - it was specially built for the arrival of the Fuhrer observation deck. A few years later, during the war, during the retreat German soldiers, many buildings (including historical ones) were blown up, but Ponte Vecchio avoided a similar fate.
According to one version, Hitler involuntarily admired the resilience of the Resistance fighters who defended the bridge and the palaces that surrounded it; according to another version, he simply could not forget the amazing panorama of the Arno River from the Ponte Vecchio observation deck...
Want to know more about the sights of Florence? Check out the history of the construction of the famous cathedral located on the territory of the city!
Legends of Florence associated with the building
Residents love to tell stories and legends associated with this attraction. In particular, stories about how and why jewelry shops appeared on the viaduct. There are three historical versions of this fact.
According to the first version, in 1442 a special decree was issued that all meat and fish merchants should move to one, strictly defined place in the city, so that unpleasant odors would not offend the sense of smell of noble gentlemen in the palaces.
By order of the city rulers, all fish and butcher shops were now located in the area of the Ponte Vecchio crossing. This continued until in 1556, by order of the Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo de' Medici, the Vasari Corridor was built, connecting the Palazzo Pitti.
Every time, passing along the Vasari corridor, the Tuscan ruler winced and covered his nose- the smells that reached him were not the aristocratic smells of fish and meat, but also the smell of spoiled goods that were being dumped into the river. His son Ferdinando, who became ruler after his father, was not so tolerant.
During one journey from the Old Palace to Palazzo Pitti, Ferdinando became so angry because of the terrible odors that he ordered all the butchers and fishmongers to be driven away and others to be opened in their place. This is how jewelers' shops appeared on the bridge, which were visited by a more sophisticated audience.
The second version says that the Vasari corridor served not only as a secret passage for rulers from one palace to another. standing in secret corridor right above shopping arcades, Ferdinando Medici, through special round windows in the corridor, could hear all the conversations of merchants and their customers. And these conversations were not always pleasant for the ruler’s ears. Ordinary people did not hesitate to discuss political topics and the personality of the ruler himself. Therefore, the Duke ordered to get rid of the commoners, and for double rent in 1593 goldsmiths settled here.
The third version is no less interesting, and it concerns the daughter of Ferdinando Medici. The young princess, walking along Vasari's corridor, became an involuntary listener to all the dialogues on the bridge. And since they traded and bought there ordinary people, who did not mince words, the vocabulary of the Medici daughter was greatly expanded - however, with words far from those that were accepted in the palaces. Hearing the merchants' vocabulary from his daughter, Ferdinando angrily drove out all the fish and meat merchants.
There is also a belief that The word “bankrupt” was born on the Ponte Vecchio bridge. If a merchant did not pay the rent on time and debts accumulated, the counter (banko) on which he traded was broken by the guards (rotto) sent by the authorities.
That is, literally the word “bankrupt” or “bankruptcy” means “a broken counter” (or a bankrupt bank). And if the counter was broken (“bankorotto”), then there was nothing to trade on.
The Arno River in the Ponte Vecchio area is also called a “golden mine”, and in the literal sense. The fact is that during the flood in 1966, the water rose several meters. Almost all the shops were flooded with water. Some of the traders who arrived here on calls from the night watchmen were able to save some of their goods. The remaining shops were flooded, and some of the gold jewelry was washed away by the receding water. Of course, work to find the missing jewelry continued in the waters of the Arno for many years, but without much results.
What is he like today
There are currently 10 crossings across the Arno, all of which have been rebuilt and restored (especially after the raids during World War II). Everything except the Golden Bridge. The appearance of Ponte Vecchio has remained virtually unchanged since its construction in 1345. A classic three-arch viaduct, the central arch is 30 meters long, and the two side arches are 27 meters long. The height of the vaults of Ponte Vecchio is from 3.5 to 4.4 meters.
Ponte Vecchio today is a row of jewelry stores and a small observation deck. From this site there is a wonderful view panoramic view on the Arno River. Looking at the muddy water of a calm and leisurely river, it is difficult to imagine that this river once posed a direct threat to the city. You can take photos from the observation deck. But if you walk from Piazza della Senoria along the Arno, you can take an equally gorgeous panoramic photo of the landmark itself - beautiful arches over the water.
The bridge looks especially beautiful at night - illuminated by many lights, it becomes a meeting place and a landmark for tourists.
The stores offer a wide range of gold and platinum products.
True, tourists stop more to look than to buy - the prices for these products are quite high. For an inconspicuous-looking gold ring you need to pay at least 200 euros.
On the western side of the bridge is a bust of Benvenuto Cellini, Italian musician and sculptor of the Renaissance (the author of the bust is Raffaello Romanelli). One of the famous sculptural works of the master Cellini - the statue of Perseus with the severed head of Medusa the Gorgon - is located in Piazza della Signoria. The installation and opening of the statue in 1901 was timed to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Cellini.
Cellini's bust is surrounded by a small metal fence. This site has become a place of pilgrimage for newlyweds and couples in love– as a sign of the inviolability of love and family ties, each couple hung a padlock on the fence. Rumor has it that this idea belonged to the owner of a lock shop located not far from the installed bust. Either way, his business is booming. But the authorities of Florence did not like this custom - not only did the locks spoil the aesthetic appearance of the sculpture, but this tradition threatened the bridge itself, causing damage to it.
The Ponte Vecchio Bridge is a stone crossing over the Arno that is completely different from an ordinary bridge. The building is so old that it even dates back to ancient Roman times. Then, of course, it was a wooden crossing, which did not prevent it from remaining the most important element of the social life of Florence.
The history of Ponte Vecchio is long and turbulent. The bridge was repeatedly washed away by floods that often occurred in the city, was rebuilt, and was destroyed again and again. In the 15th century, this area became the most fragrant in Florence, because it was here that numerous butcher shops were moved away from noble mansions. In those years, trading veal and chicken brains was allowed only on the Old Bridge. All waste from the meat business was thrown into the river, which carried it far beyond the city.
There were many butchers in the city, the bridge was not very long, so its growth began to spread. The merchants built their shops in such a way that they protruded above the bridge, hanging almost above the water. This is how we see Ponte Vecchio bridge and today. But the shops here now sell expensive and very expensive jewelry. Even the simplest ring here costs at least 200 euros.
The Ponte Vecchio bridge was built at the narrowest point of the Arno River. Almost opposite it are the Uffizi Galleries. This is one of the oldest bridges in the Tuscan capital, the only one that was able to preserve almost its original appearance. In its place, however, there were other structures: a bridge from the ancient Roman era that collapsed in 1117, as well as a bridge destroyed by a flood in 1333.
The modern structure first appeared in 1345. Then it was built by the architect Neri di Fioravanti. The design was durable, but at the same time very elegant. At that time the bridge consisted of three arches. A distinctive feature of Ponte Vecchio is the houses that are crowded on both sides. Over time, the straight line of the 14th century buildings was disrupted by various transformations. In the center of the bridge span, a row of buildings is interrupted, turning into an open area, which offers views of the river and other bridges in the city.
Above the buildings is the Vasari Corridor. The architect created it so that Cosimo I could pass from Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti without feeling the strong stench from the butchers' shops. Along the corridor there are a row of small round windows, from which the ruler eavesdropped on what ordinary people were saying on the bridge. This is what the legend says. Jewelry shops and workshops appeared on the site of the shops in the 16th century. Since then, the Ponte Vecchio bridge has also been called the “Golden Bridge”. There is also a bust of Benvenuto Cellini. “Love locks” are chained to him.
A story about the unique Florentine bridge Ponte Vecchio. One of the few remaining fully built bridges. But it is unique for other reasons.
Ponte Vecchio is one of the main business cards wonderful Florence. It is located at the narrowest point of the Arno River and connects two parts of the legendary Italian city. This bridge is notable for several reasons.
The oldest bridge in Florence
It was built by the architect Neri di Fioravanti in 1345 and to this day the bridge has practically not changed its appearance. Even during the Second World War it survived, although all other bridges were blown up. True, the reasons given are different. Some believe that thanks to the Resistance, while others believe that it is to undermine cultural heritage Adolf Hitler himself banned it by personal decree. By the way, one of the few modernizations of the bridge is associated with the German dictator. Even before the World War, Mussolini specially made an observation deck with large rectangular windows on the inside of the Vasari Corridor for the arrival of the guest of honor. It was decided to leave these windows, and they have survived to this day.
Photo by: Carlo Broggi. The photo was taken before 1925
The Last of the Mohicans
The Ponte Vecchio gives us an idea of what city crossings looked like in the late Middle Ages. The fact is that there was not much free space in the city, and in the megacities of that time, bridges were often lined with houses or trading shops. For example, it was completely built up. It contained more than a hundred different kinds of buildings. By the way, if you read the novel “Perfume” or, then it was on the Pont de Change that Baldini’s shop was located, which collapsed into the Seine along with its owner. But at some point, the main bridges in Europe were cleared of buildings, but the Ponte Vecchio survived and has continued to amaze guests of Florence for hundreds of years.
Vasari's secret corridor inside the bridge
Numerous tourists walking along the bridge do not always know that right above their heads lies another path to the other side of the river. We are talking about a secret corridor. It was designed by the architect Vasari, in whose honor secret passage and got its name. Construction began in 1565 on the initiative of Duke Cosimo I, who belonged to the legendary Medici dynasty. The main purpose of the move is to connect the two banks of the river so that the Duke can move from the Vecchio Palace to the Pitti residence unnoticed. Why not just walk across the bridge, you think? There are at least three reasons for this:
Planning a trip? Here you go!We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.
For safety
When we talk about Florence and the Medici, we are a priori talking about the struggle for power. This means that the life of a ruler may depend on the ability to move unnoticed from one building to another.
For comfort
The bridge is a busy place of trade. During Cosimo's time, butchers' shops were located there. Since few people cared about the sanitary situation, the bridge exuded the bone-chilling smells of rotten meat and waste. The presence of a separate corridor made the situation somewhat easier. By the way, butchers were permanent residents of the bridge until the 16th century, after which they were replaced by jewelry stores and the atmosphere became lighter.
For spying
Since there were always a lot of residents hanging around the butcher shops who gave free rein to their tongues, the Duke of Tuscany took advantage of this for banal eavesdropping. According to rumors, the most careless talkers could be imprisoned the very next day.
Home of bankruptcy
There is an interesting story connected with the bridge. There is a legend that this is where the term “bankruptcy” originated. This is due to the fact that when a merchant on the Ponte Vecchio finally went bankrupt, the city guards came and broke (rotto) his counter (banco). This procedure was called “bancorotto”. After a person lost his counter, he could no longer engage in trade. In other words, he was declared bankrupt.
The famous French writer Maurice Druon talks about the spirit of this place:
Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence, Italy, a three-arch bridge that was built on the site of two previous bridges: a Roman era bridge, a bridge that collapsed in 1117, and a bridge that was demolished by a flood in 1333. Now Ponte Vecchio is a symbol of the city and perhaps this is its most striking place.
The Ponte Vecchio bridge was built in 1345 by the architect Neri di Fioravante, who designed and created a fairly strong structure, it was supposed to be much stronger than that of its predecessor, which failed in a flood in 1333. Although the structure of the current bridge is quite strong, in 1966 the Vecchio Bridge was severely damaged during a large flood of the Arno River.
The most striking feature that distinguishes the Vecchio Bridge from others is the houses located on both sides. In the center of the bridge spans, the row of buildings is interrupted and opens into an open area from which you can admire the river and other bridges in the city. In 1565, by order of Cosimo I de' Medici, the "Vasari Corridor" was built: the Uffizi Gallery and the Vasari Corridor - a covered passage running over the Ponte Vecchio bridge and connecting the Uffizi with the Pitti Palazzo, which was used exclusively by representatives of the court.
Along the corridor there are strange small round windows with bars; according to legend, they were created by order of the ruler in order to eavesdrop on what people were talking about below on the bridge. At that time, in the lower part of the bridge there were butchers' shops, but over time, unpleasant odors of spoiling products began to emanate from the market and in 1593 he categorically banned trade in perishable products here, and in their place, jewelry stores and workshops appeared on the Ponte Vecchio. In this regard, it also began to be called the “Golden Bridge”.
During World War II, the Ponte Vecchio was not destroyed by the Germans during their retreat on August 4, 1944, unlike all other bridges in Florence. Hitler was given a special order to leave the bridge intact and unharmed. Access to it was, however, difficult due to destroyed buildings on both sides of the river. Later, all the buildings were rebuilt, some of them according to original designs, and some according to new ones.
Interesting fact, the word “bankrupt” comes from here. Once traded on the Ponte Vecchio bridge, a seller whose trade was so unprofitable that he could not pay for the place and got into debt, for this he was beaten by soldiers and his trading post (banco) was once smashed (rotto) and he could not do more trading. After this, the process of debt disputes of those times fit into the familiar word “bancorotto” or “broken table”: no table - no trade.
A story about the unique Florentine bridge Ponte Vecchio. One of the few remaining fully built bridges. But it is unique for other reasons.
Ponte Vecchio is one of the main calling cards of wonderful Florence. It is located at the narrowest point of the Arno River and connects the two parts of the legendary Italian city. This bridge is notable for several reasons.
The oldest bridge in Florence
It was built by the architect Neri di Fioravanti in 1345 and to this day the bridge has practically not changed its appearance. Even during the Second World War it survived, although all other bridges were blown up. True, the reasons given are different. Some believe that thanks to the Resistance, while others believe that Adolf Hitler himself forbade the undermining of cultural heritage by personal decree. By the way, one of the few modernizations of the bridge is associated with the German dictator. Even before the World War, Mussolini specially made an observation deck with large rectangular windows on the inside of the Vasari Corridor for the arrival of the guest of honor. It was decided to leave these windows, and they have survived to this day.
Photo by: Carlo Broggi. The photo was taken before 1925
The Last of the Mohicans
The Ponte Vecchio gives us an idea of what city crossings looked like in the late Middle Ages. The fact is that there was not much free space in the city, and in the megacities of that time, bridges were often lined with houses or trading shops. For example, it was completely built up. It contained more than a hundred different kinds of buildings. By the way, if you read the novel “Perfume” or, then it was on the Pont de Change that Baldini’s shop was located, which collapsed into the Seine along with its owner. But at some point, the main bridges in Europe were cleared of buildings, but the Ponte Vecchio survived and has continued to amaze guests of Florence for hundreds of years.
Vasari's secret corridor inside the bridge
Numerous tourists walking along the bridge do not always know that right above their heads lies another path to the other side of the river. We are talking about a secret corridor. It was designed by the architect Vasari, in whose honor the secret passage got its name. Construction began in 1565 on the initiative of Duke Cosimo I, who belonged to the legendary Medici dynasty. The main purpose of the move is to connect the two banks of the river so that the Duke can move from the Vecchio Palace to the Pitti residence unnoticed. Why not just walk across the bridge, you think? There are at least three reasons for this:
Planning a trip? Here you go!We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.
For safety
When we talk about Florence and the Medici, we are a priori talking about the struggle for power. This means that the life of a ruler may depend on the ability to move unnoticed from one building to another.
For comfort
The bridge is a busy place of trade. During Cosimo's time, butchers' shops were located there. Since few people cared about the sanitary situation, the bridge exuded the bone-chilling smells of rotten meat and waste. The presence of a separate corridor made the situation somewhat easier. By the way, butchers were permanent residents of the bridge until the 16th century, after which they were replaced by jewelry stores and the atmosphere became lighter.
For spying
Since there were always a lot of residents hanging around the butcher shops who gave free rein to their tongues, the Duke of Tuscany took advantage of this for banal eavesdropping. According to rumors, the most careless talkers could be imprisoned the very next day.
Home of bankruptcy
There is an interesting story connected with the bridge. There is a legend that this is where the term “bankruptcy” originated. This is due to the fact that when a merchant on the Ponte Vecchio finally went bankrupt, the city guards came and broke (rotto) his counter (banco). This procedure was called “bancorotto”. After a person lost his counter, he could no longer engage in trade. In other words, he was declared bankrupt.
The famous French writer Maurice Druon talks about the spirit of this place:
