Bridges

Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge- indeed, the oldest bridge in Florence, was built in 1345. It was the only bridge in the city to escape being blown up during World War II. There have always been workshops on the bridge, but the butchers, tanners and blacksmiths who were here originally (and who used the river as a convenient rubbish tip) were evicted by Duke Ferdinando I in 1593 because of the noise and stench they created.

The workshops were rebuilt and let to the more decorous goldsmiths, and the shops lining and overhanging the bridge continue to specialise in new and antique jewellery to this day.

Bridge At Sunset
The Ponte Vecchio is especially attractive when viewed in the setting sun from Ponte Santa Trinità, or from one of the river embankments.

Mannelli Tower
This medieval tower was built to defend the bridge. The Mannelli family stubbornly refused to demolish it to make way for the Vasari Corridor.

Bust of Cellini
A bust of Benvenuto Cellini (1500-71), the most famous of all Florentine goldsmiths, was placed in the middle of the bridge in 1900.

Medieval Workshops
Some of the oldest workshops have rear extensions overhanging the river, supported by timber brackets called sporti.

Private Corridor
The aerial corridor built by Vasari along the eastern side of the bridge is hung with the self-portraits of many great artists, including Rembrandt, Rubens and Hogarth.

Vasari's Corridor
The Corridoio Vasariano was built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari and links the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti, via the Uffizi. This private elevated walkway, also known as Percorso del Principe ("Prince's Route"), allowed members of the Medici family to move between their residences without having to step into the street below and mix with the crowds. The Corridor is occasionally open by guided tour only; tickets must be booked in advance.

St. Regis

Westin

Hotel Kraft

Hotel Adler

Mediterraneo