The bridge of Pontevecchio is one of the oldest bridges in Florence, Italy. It exhibits a perfect blend of flawless mathematical proportion and an aesthetic appeal. Giorgio Vassari is believed to have designed this famous bridge even though there is no assertive proof.
The Pontevecchio flaunts an iconical arch along with four robust looking towers that, while enhancing the beauty of this man-made marvel, also fortified it against the devastating floods in the past.
The History of the Bridge of Pontevecchio: Exploring Florence’s Iconic Bridge
The Pontevecchio bridge in Florence is built on the narrowest point on the River Arno .
It witnesses quite a busy thoroughfare of tourists throughout the year. The bridge is extremely ergonomic. Most tourists flock in to see places on either side of the River Arno and the Pontevecchio connects them successfully. These places include the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria on one side, and the Palazzo Pitti and Spanto Spirito in Ottarno on the other.
The Pontevecchio has existed since the Roman times,even when the Via Cassia chose to cross the river at this point in 123 A.D.
The Florence Pontevecchio Gold Shops
For a considerable time in history, the authorities had banned butchers, fishermen and tanners from setting their business up on the bridge. This is because it was made up of wood and so commerce was discouraged, to protect it from damage. However, the council ventured to concretize the bridge in the 15th century. This venture incurred a high cost. Hence, it was planned to be partly recovered by letting out spaces on the bridge for commercial purposes. Being on the River Arno, the Pontevecchio offered the perfect spot for the business of butchery as the flowing water would keep its gory affair at bay.
The Pontevecchio gold and jewelery shops adorn the bridge adding to its fame and attracting visitors from all over the world. It is often referred to as the Golden Bridge of Florence.
Tanners and parchment makers have always shared a symbiotic relationship with the butchers. This is because they successfully utilize the hides dispensed by the butchers. In other words, by 1590s, crossing the Pontevecchio amidst the meat and trades became a dubious affair for the Medici Grand Duke Ferdinand I. He expelled the butchers and tanners, redeeming Ponte Vecchio from reeking of flesh and blood like it used to. He also gave permission to the goldsmiths and the opportunity to set up shop on the bridge.
A magnificent bust of Benvenuto Cellini, a prominent Renaissance Goldsmith overlooks the Arno from a central position of the bridge. It bears testament to an ineffable bond that the goldsmiths share with the Pontevecchio bridge.
The Year 2006 saw a major ban on the padlocks of love on Pontevecchio. These locks were fastened on the railings near the bust of Cellini. They were causing considerable damage. Around 5500 of them were removed to reinforce the structure and aesthetics of the bridge.
Vasari Corridor :the secret passage of Pontevecchio
Pontevecchio connects the residence of the Medici, the Palazzo Pitti, to the government offices in Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio. The Medici Grand Duke Ferdinand I had to daily make his way through the busy meat shops on the bridge of Pontevecchio.
The unbearable stench of flesh during the commute, turned it into a harrowing experience. In 1565, the duke planned the wedding of his son, Francesco Medici with Joana of Austrian.
The Grand Duke appointed Giorgio Vasari, a famous Renaissance architect, to conceive an exclusive and covered Skywalk on top of the existing bridge. This would make the journeys of the Medicis to and from their residence to the Uffizi Square uninterrupted.
Today this spectacular corridor runs for about a kilometer. It opens up into the Boboli Gardens in the grounds of the Pitti Palace and houses several priceless pieces of art. Art enthusiasts often pay a visit with a prior appointment.
The Pontevecchio Bridge – a famous story of survival
The Pontevecchio claims an enchanting view of the River Arno. This view was instrumental in protecting it from the devastating effects of the Nazis in the Second World War.
The Pontevecchio, is the only bridge to get away from the wrath and the destruction of the retreating Nazis from Florence in 1944.
In 1938, before Hitler’s State visit to Florence, Benito Mussolini adviced to make the central Windows of the bridge wider. This would facilitate a better view of the River Arno by the Fuhrer. Hence, Hitler himself was instrumental in saving the Florence Pontevecchio from annihilation.
The prominent German diplomat Gerhard Wolf is also credited to save the Pontevecchio in the World War II.It is his love for this architectural wonder and his recommendation to save it from bombing to the Nazi High command, that was the reason the Pontevecchio was a lone survivor during the World War II.
Flood and Its Damage
Multiple floods over centuries have caused detrimental damage to the bridge and yet it stays structurally strong. Floods damaged it many times. In 1333, it was rebuilt with stone. Unfortunately, that too didn’t last long. Apart from the two Stone piers, everything else succumbed to subsequent devastating floods. It was built again in 1345,
However, the worst flood that the Pontevecchio suffered was in 1966 when due to incessant rain, the water level of the Arno had reached 20 ft higher than usual. Florence had incurred a huge loss to life and property during this flood. What did the worst damage was a petrol tanker that had been washed away.
Yet the Pontevecchio still stands strong with a Herculean strength and grace and continues to awe and inspire tourists from all around the world.
The Statue of David
Florence Porcellino