Visiting the Ponte Vecchio in Florence?

Visiting the Ponte Vecchio in Florence

Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy: its history, culture and beautiful monuments attract, enchant and make us fall in love with it! Known for many sights, it immediately records that a visit to one of the most visited spots, the Vecchio Bridge, is a must-see, and, in this text, we will talk more about this jewel of Florence. Let’s go to our post of the day: Visiting the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”

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Introduction

Florence is a beautiful city and it is always remembered, above all, for its monuments. The true symbol of Florence, however, remains the Vecchio Bridge (Old Bridge, in free translation), one of the most popular bridges in the world. The Florence walking tour is the best to do by foot.

The Vecchio Bridge represents the symbol of the city of Florence, it is the most important and oldest bridge in the city and crosses the River Arno, in addition to being the point of reference for the city and its visitors. Built in Roman times, in wood and stone, it was destroyed several times by the flood of the Arno River. In 1345 it was rebuilt by architects Taddeo Gaddi and Neri Fioravanti and remains so, as we can still admire today. Find out here How to get to Florence from Rome? and How to visit Florence in one day?

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1) Visiting the Ponte Vecchio in Florence – VISIT THE GIORGIO VASARI CORRIDOR

Above the Vecchio Bridge you can admire the beautiful Corridor built by Giorgio Vasari, in the middle of the 16th century, with the purpose of connecting the political and administrative center of the city of Florence with the home of the Medici domain. This corridor, in fact, allows you to cross Florence, from Vecchio Palace to Pitti Palace, without having to cross the city center.

2) Visiting the Ponte Vecchio in Florence – SEE THE LOW ARCHES

Vecchio Bridge is an example of singular architecture, given that its structure represents the continuation of the street. It consists of three low arches, with the passage flanked by two rows of craft stores, in closed arcades. For the first time in the West, the low arch surpassed the Roman model, which provided for the exclusive use of crossings for all sixths and began to be imitated in several Italian and European cities, such as Venice with the Rialto Bridge.

3) Visiting the Ponte Vecchio in Florence – VISIT THE FOUR TOWERS

In the four corners the four towers that controlled access and, of these towers, only the Mannelli tower remains today, while the Rossi-Cerchi tower was rebuilt after the explosions of 1944. Before its former glory and fame, Vecchio Bridge was the butchers’ bridge, until the Vasari Corridor was built. Then, over the bridge, the stores present there were considered inadequate and it was decided to grant the eviction of butchers and artisans and only the presence of goldsmiths, who still continue the traditional and renowned work of jewelry, known worldwide. And it was in honor of the jewels that the terrace in the middle of the bridge was placed a fountain with the bust of the great goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini.

All Vecchio Bridge stores overlook the central passage and each has its backs built with a view of the river and, looking from the outside, it almost seems to fall into the water. The shine of gold and precious stones attracts the eyes of tourists and the budgets of the wealthiest. Even today, on the bridge, there are exclusive goldsmiths and jewelers shops and that is why it is a perfect destination for a day of shopping.

4) Visiting the Ponte Vecchio in Florence – VISIT THE BRIDGE CENTER

In the center of the bridge the shops open with two panoramic terraces: the eastern one, topped by the famous Vasari Corridor and the other terrace that houses the Benvenuto Cellini monument. The Vecchio Bridge, built as we see it today in 1345 by Taddeo Gaddi, was the first bridge in history where lowered arches were used for construction. This innovative solution allowed the debris brought by the floods and which could somehow destroy the bridge, to flow more easily. Since then, Ponte Vecchio is still standing, damaged and repaired several times, but never again destroyed.

A curiosity…

The Vecchio Bridge was the only bridge in the city that was not destroyed by the Germans during World War II. And don’t forget to pay a visit to Vecchio Bridge at night, when goldsmith shops are closed like treasure chests and the atmosphere becomes magically romantic with its beautiful lighting. Read also What are the 10 must-see sights in Florence?

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How to get to Vecchio Bridge in Florence?

Florence has excellent communication with the rest of Italy and is easy to reach by land and air.

1) How to get to Vecchio Bridge in Florence? BY AIRPLANE

In recent years, air traffic to and from Florence at Amerigo Vespucci Airport has increased significantly and infrastructure and services are constantly improving.

2) How to get to Vecchio Bridge in Florence? BY TRAIN

Trains connect the Tuscan capital with other regions very well and, since 2009, high-speed trains have also been introduced, such as Frecciarossa, which allows the Naples-Rome-Florence-Bologna-Milan route to be followed very quickly. Did you know that Trenitalia is the main Italian company dedicated to the management of railway transport? Find out here “What is the difference between trains in Italy?”. Buy your ticket online in advance and save a lot, read the Post “How to buy a train ticket in Italy?”.

3) How to get to Vecchio Bridge in Florence? BY CAR

Florence is also an important center of the Italian motorway network. It is well connected to the main cities in the north of the country and, going south, Rome is just an hour and a half by car. The A1 highway, the main artery connecting Italy from north to south, has four exits to Florence.

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Hotels I recommend in the Historic Center

In the Historic Center (Old Town), is really easy to admire all the main attractions of the city very easily. The old town of Florence corresponds to the oldest and most beautiful part of the city. If you want to stay in the real heart of Florence, choose hotels in the central areas of Piazza Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral, Gallery of Offices, etc.

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If you prefer hotels, I have some options that I recommend with great cost benefit! Click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hotels that I recommend in Oltrarno

Always staying very close to the Historic Center, you can also stay in Oltrarno, close to the most characteristic craft shops in the whole city and much more. The area is perfect for those who want quiet accommodation and for those who want to breathe the real Florentine atmosphere. At the same time, you will be close to the center of Florence, a short walk from the main monuments, squares, churches, restaurants, shops and museums.

Hotels that I recommend in Santa Maria Novella

Another interesting neighborhood to stay is Santa Maria Novella. This is a particularly exclusive area because of the proximity to the station (great if you want to do a lot of tours leaving from Florence) and the famous Church of Santa Maria Novella, a very important reference in Florence.

Hotels that I recommend in Santa Croce

Another neighborhood where you can stay is Santa Croce, where the homonymous church is located. This area, located in the southeastern part of the historic center, is close to the most interesting monuments and has its fulcrum in the church of Santa Croce. Among the scenic palaces in this district, there are many hotels that can accommodate you for a wonderful weekend in Florence.

Hotels that I recommend in Campo di Marte

Another economic possibility, where you can stay in Florence, is Campo di Marte; in this area there are several well-equipped and affordable hotels. It is a quiet and charming residential area in Florence, well connected to the historic city center by public transport. Campo di Marte has its own train station where several regional and high-speed trains stop, with which you can easily reach other Tuscan cities and major cities in Italy. It is a great choice if you have rented a car too.

Hotels I recommend outside the Historic Center

And so, if you decide to breathe a less touristic air, a good choice could be to stay in Florence right outside the historic center, where hotel prices are cheaper and the most convenient solution if you come by car. Another possibility is to stay away, in some nearby town, and experience the silence of the wonderful Tuscan landscape, but in this case it is necessary to have a car.

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Baronessa B&B Florence

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Conclusion

Visiting the Ponte Vecchio in Florence? The Vecchio Bridge is one of the symbols of Florence, a must for photos and souvenirs of all tourists who visit this splendid city. And if you feel insecure or have no time, and need help to organize your trip, do not hesitate to look for me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy. And how can I do that? Continue reading this post until the end and you will understand how can we make your life and journey easier.

Did my post help you? If yes, make sure to leave your comment below, but if you still have questions, just leave them as a comment below and I will reply, O.K.?

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