`Ponte Vecchio` is the oldest bridge in Florence, located at the bottom of the Arno river. It is located where there were at least three bridges previously: one in the Roman era, one that was demolished in 1117, and one that was destroyed by the floods of the Arno River in 1333.
The bridge was built by Neri di Fioravante 1345. It has a solid structure with three arches. It is characterized by the small houses that are aligned on both sides of the bridge. In the fourteenth century these buildings had a compact architecture, but as time went by, changes took place which led to the picturesque image of today.
In the middle of the bridge, across the river, the street that separates these buildings narrows offering a view over the Arno river and other bridges.
Vasari Corridor
Vasari corridor crosses the bridge above the buildings. It allowed Cosimo I to reach Pallazzo Pitti in Pallazzo Vecchio safely.
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