Ponte Vecchio (photo) is the most beautiful bridge in Florence. Bridges of Florence The Last of the Mohicans

What is famous about the Vecchio Bridge in Florence: a little history and modernity. How Ponte Vecchio managed to survive devastating floods and why from a distance it resembles Brazilian favelas. Where is the old bridge of Florence, how to get to it from the city center and what to see.

Ponte Vecchio is the oldest and most recognizable bridge in Florence. Not a single tourist bypasses it. During its existence, it was rebuilt several times due to constant floods. Translated from Italian its name Ponte Vecchio means " Old Bridge" Today, guests of the city can see it in its original appearance, since practically nothing has changed here over many centuries.

Excursions in Florence and surrounding areas

The most interesting excursions in the capital of Tuscany - these are routes from local residents. We recommend starting with sightseeing tour(Ponte Vecchio in the program). And then choose a program with a twist - at least gastronomic tour, even an exit route, even medieval Florence.

From the history of the Vecchio Bridge

The decision to build the Ponte Vecchio bridge at this point on the Arno River was not accidental. Once upon a time, a bridge with wooden superstructures stood in its place from the ancient Roman era. However, as a result of a flood, it was destroyed and then rebuilt from stone. But this did not help cope with the flow of water. The structure was again demolished by a natural disaster in 1333. According to historians, the work of restoring it was entrusted to Neri di Fioravanti. Construction was completed in 1345. After this, the bridge remained for many centuries a place where lively trade was carried out.

Interestingly, Ponte Vecchio was not destroyed during World War II. The rest of the historical buildings in the city were much less fortunate, many of them were severely damaged.

From the mid-15th century, butchers' shops from all over Florence were moved here. Their number turned out to be much greater than expected, then it was decided to make several additional extensions.

Over time, the straight line of buildings on both sides of the bridge has changed greatly due to various transformations. In 1556, by order of Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, the so-called Vasari Corridor, passing over the Ponte Vecchio itself. This corridor was named in honor of the architect who worked on its creation. Along it, the Duke could easily move from the Vecchio Palace to the residence on the other side of the Arno - the Pitti Palace.

Despite the fact that the bridge was rebuilt several times, it failed to survive another flood in 1966. A natural disaster struck the city, causing damage to many buildings and landmarks in Florence. Of course, everything has been restored and restored for decades, but the city authorities had to bear enormous costs.

Sights of Ponte Vecchio

In the western part of the building there is a bust of the Italian jeweler and artist - Benvenuto Cellini. It was created by a sculpture named Raffaello Romanelli, born in Florence. A popular tradition among city residents and tourists is to hang so-called “love locks” on the fences around the statue.

* This “cute” habit is practiced by uncontrollable lovers around the world - in particular, the forged bars of the Charles Bridge in Prague suffer from it, the fences of the Lovers' Bridge in Paris recently collapsed, and local residents often oppose marginalized “tradition.”

Entrance to the Vecchio Bridge from the embankment

Jewelry shop on the bridge (Florence, Italy)

Jewelry as a souvenir (Vecchio Bridge, Florence)

On the Ponte Vecchio itself there are still shops, shops and workshops. You can mainly buy gold items, jewelry and themed souvenirs from Florence (postcards, magnets, ceramic plates, key rings, guidebooks).

Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to get to the part of the Codidor Vasari, which is located directly above the bridge, since it is closed to outsiders. The main reason is the unsatisfactory condition of the structure, which, although not on the verge of destruction, is still not adapted to the tourist load. Perhaps the authorities will take care of this problem and solve the problem with access, because the multi-story superstructure over the Ponte Vecchio invariably raises questions and stirs the hearts of travelers. Everyone dreams of walking the “dear Medici” from the Vecchio Palace to the Pitti!

Where is it and how to get there

The old bridge of Florence is located between Via Calimala on one side of the river and Via d'Guicciardini- another. Closest to the Vecchio Bridge bus stop that’s what it’s called “Ponte Vecchio”. To get there you need to take route C3 or D.

But the easiest way is to walk, Ponte Vecchio is just a few steps away Piazzale degli Uffizi, that is, from the main entrance to the Uffizi Gallery, which rarely gets overlooked in Florence.

Ponte Vecchio on the map of Florence

The Vecchio Bridge (Florence) is located at: Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI

The Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio) in Florence over the Arno River in 1345 on the site of an ancient Roman bridge demolished by a flood. Initially, butchers' shops were located here, animal carcasses were butchered on site, and waste was thrown into the river. In general, the smell around was very powerful, especially in the summer heat.

Soon the Old Bridge became a place of lively city trade. The merchants' shops were located right on the bridge. Presumably, the concept of “bankruptcy” appeared here. If a merchant could not pay his debts, the city guards would destroy his shop. So from the two words “counter” (banco) and “broken” (rotto) the word “bankrupt” was derived.


According to legend, Mussolini made the windows in the center of the bridge for Hitler so that the Fuhrer could admire the view of Florence. According to one version, Hitler wanted to blow up the bridge during his retreat, but the partisans prevented him.

This is the first bridge in history in the construction of which such arches were used. The bridge consists of three arches, the length of the central arch is 30 meters, height – 4.4 meters, the side arches are smaller: length – 27 meters, height – 3.5 meters.


This time we were lucky with the weather.


Old Bridge at the beginning of the 20th century

In the 16th century, the ruler of Florence, Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, paid attention to the area of ​​the Old Bridge; at the will of the Duke, rich jewelry shops were located here. The Old Bridge received the second name “Golden Bridge”, the status of which changed dramatically.

“There is a bridge in Florence called the Old Bridge. It is still built up with houses; these houses housed workshops for gold and silver products.

True, these were not products in the modern sense: the manufacture of gold and silver things in our days is a craft; before it was art. That is why there was nothing in the world more wonderful than these workshops, or rather, the objects that decorated them; there were round onyx goblets, girded with writhing dragons - fairy-tale monsters raised their heads, extended azure wings strewn with golden stars, and, opening their fire-breathing mouths, looked menacingly at each other with their ruby ​​eyes...

And all this was not only skillfully executed, but conceived with poetic inspiration; not only charming, like charming trinkets for decorating a lady's boudoir, but magnificent, like the greatest works of art that can immortalize the reign of a king or the spirit of a nation..." - this is how Alexandre Dumas described the Old Bridge in the novel "Ascanio".


Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, who made the Old Bridge Golden.


Eleonora of Toledo, wife of Cosimo de' Medici. (Grandmother of the French Queen Marie de' Medici)

In honor of the marriage of his son Francesco and Princess Joan of Austria, the ruler ordered the construction of a corridor connecting two city squares Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti, which passed over the bridge buildings.

The Medici family was not noble, descended from a family of bankers, and Cosimo wanted to impress his new royal relatives.


Heir - Francesco de' Medici


His bride, Princess Joan of Austria, for whom a secret corridor was built.
Judging by the portrait, the princess was capricious.

Cosimo Medizi ordered dormer windows to be made in the gallery above the bridge in order to eavesdrop on what commoners were saying about him.

The secret passage was called the Vasari Corridor in honor of the architect who embodied the Medici idea.


Street art on the theme of the Middle Ages

Currently located in the Vasari Corridor art Gallery, which also contains works by Russian artists Kustodiev and Kiprensky.


The road from the bridge to the central square.


Mannelli Tower

The Vasari corridor passed through the city's buildings. The noble Munnelly family were the only ones who resisted the passage of the Corridor through their property, as it happened for other buildings. The Munnellys insisted that the Corridor be built around the tower.

Legend has it that the Munnelly family paid a tax to the Medici for several years for their intervention in the project.

"At noon, cats look under the benches to see if they are black.
shadows. On the Old Bridge - now it has been repaired -
where he bustles against the blue hills of Cellini,
they are briskly selling all kinds of branzulette;
the waves move over the branch, murmuring behind the branch.
And the golden strands of the rare one bending over
thing of a beauty rummaging between boxes
under the unsatisfied glances of young traders,
seem to be the trace of an angel in the realm of the blackheads."
As the poet Joseph Brodsky wrote.

In 1901, a monument to Benvenuto Cellini, the famous sculptor and jeweler of the 16th century, was erected on the bridge. Anyone familiar with the work of A. Dumas has probably read the novel “Ascanio” about the adventures of this talented man.


Monument to jeweler Benvenuto Cellini on the Old Bridge. Nearby there is a building on the roof of which (above right) you can see medieval sundial, installed in the 14th century.


View from the Old Bridge to the Arno River.

During World War II, when German troops left Florence, it was decided to blow up all the city's bridges in order to delay the enemy's rapid advance. Five of the six bridges were actually blown up, but the sixth, the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, was miraculously saved.

History and description of the famous bridge of Florence

The bridge has connected the banks of the Arno River since time immemorial, which is why its current name translates as "Old Bridge". Probably, the bridge here was built back in Etruscan times, and with the arrival of the Romans it was already rebuilt in a new wooden appearance. Since that time, the bridge has always stood in this place, and after its destruction it has been diligently rebuilt.

The Arno River is distinguished by its turbulent behavior. Throughout history, her hostile attitude has completely destroyed the bridge many times. One of the first documented evidence of such an event dates back to the distant year 972. Then there is a series of restorations and destructions, until in 1332 a stone bridge is erected on this site.

By this time, the city was acquiring several more bridges across the Arno. But the severe flood of 1333 once again amended the city plan. The water level in the central square of Florence at that time exceeded a meter, the city walls were damaged, and more than 300 people died. Mars was considered the patron saint of the city, whose statue was installed at the entrance of the Ponte Vecchio, but the flood did not spare her either. Later, a statue of St. John the Baptist was installed in its place, and since then the elements have no longer damaged the strength of the bridge.

After the flood, Ner di Fioravante and Taddeo Gaddi took on the task of solving the problem of the bridge's stability. In 1335-1345, they carried out work on the construction and strengthening of a new bridge, which should no longer be destroyed under the pressure of clearing water. Since that time, the bridge has stood to this day, becoming business card Florence.

The use of segmental arches made it the first bridge of its type in all of Europe. The covered bridge consists of three arches rising 4.4 meters. The central span reaches 30 meters, the side spans are slightly smaller - 27 meters each. It is noteworthy that the bridge is made wide - as much as 32 meters.

From the Middle Ages to the present day, merchants' shops have been located on the bridge. Initially there were butchers and tanners here, but the wise council decided to remove them from the symbol of Florence, replacing them with “noble” jewelers and other precious metal craftsmen. The statue of Benvenuto Cellini, the patron saint of Italian jewelers, is a reminder of this.

Benvenuto Cellini

In 1565, the bridge was supplemented with a covered gallery connecting the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti. The architect of the building was Vasari, which is why it is called the “Vasarino corridor”. The gallery located above the merchants' shops offers excellent views of the Arno River and Florence.

Vasarino corridor

The next major flood occurred in 1966. All the shops were washed away, but the Ponte Vecchio bridge stood. A truly timeless bridge that is famously popular with tourists visiting the glorious city of Florence.

Bridge in Florence Ponte Vecchio (translated as the old bridge), built in 1345 over the Arno River, located at the narrowest point of the river, almost opposite the Uffizi Gallery. The Ponte Vecchio bridge, built by the architect Neri di Fioravanti and having a length of 30 m, is now one of the most famous bridges peace. This is the most ancient bridge in Florence, which has also retained its original appearance and has not undergone reconstruction like other bridges.
At first, there were butcher shops on the Ponte Vecchio bridge, but Lorenzo Medici, who hated the smell of meat, replaced them with jewelry workshops. Since the 16th century, jewelers' shops and shops have been built on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Since then, the bridge has earned itself another, unofficial name - “Golden Bridge”. Only the only jewelry workshop and store of the Peccini family has survived to this day. There is also a bust of Benvenuto Cellini on the bridge.
This thirty-meter bridge in Florence managed to survive both the floods and the bombings of 1944. November 4, 1966 it was almost destroyed during a major flood, but, nevertheless, managed to survive even when the water rose to the level of the windows and began to penetrate inside, washing away everything and taking away entire display cases. Now the Ponte Vecchio is a symbol of Florence.
The famous Golden Bridge in Florence also has its own secret - right above the shops built on it there runs a long kilometer-long corridor, built in the 16th century by order of Cosimo I de' Medici. This corridor is called Vasari, it is closed to the public and the keys to it are now kept by only one person - Roberto Zanieri. If you walk along the corridor, along its entire length on the walls you can see a huge collection of self-portraits, the largest in the world.

Why did the ruler need the Vasari corridor? Through it, the Medici could easily access their Palazzo Pitti palace directly from the Palazzo Vecchio through the Uffizi Gallery without an escort via the Florentine bridge. A similar passage through which King Priam got from his palace to the palaces of his sons was described in the Iliad. Perhaps it was the reading of the Iliad that inspired Cosimo de' Medici to build the Vasari Corridor, which runs over the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence. Another advantage of Vasari was that he allowed the ruler to observe what was happening in the city through small windows, while remaining unnoticed by the townspeople. In other words, to see while remaining invisible.
Currently, Florence has ten bridges. Before 1957 there were only six of them, and over the course of a number of centuries they were rebuilt several times. All bridges, with the exception of the Ponte Vecchio, were reconstructed after World War II. However, before the Second World War, during the reign of Mussolini, specially for the arrival of Hitler, the interior of the Vasari Corridor in the central part was made Observation deck with large rectangular windows that have survived to this day.

Arno is a river in central Italy. Originates from southern slope Falterona Mountains of the Tuscan Apennine Range at an altitude of 1385 meters above sea level. Its length is 241 km and it flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea near Pisa. Florence was founded by the Romans on the western bank of the Arno and the first bridge was built in the 1st century. BC e. The river gave life and destroyed it. The last catastrophic flood occurred on November 4, 1966, when water rose to the middle of the second floors.

Now in the city area there are 9 bridges across the Arno River, the king of which is the Old Bridge (ponte Vecchio). It is likely that it was in this place that the ancient Roman road of Cassius passed, along which the first Christians came to the city. Now the bridge is the emblem of the city along with the dome cathedral. Over the centuries it has become real independent world. From time immemorial, the shops there sold meat and fish (conveniently throwing waste into the river). But in 1565, a covered corridor was built over the bridge to move Duke Cosimo de' Medici from the Old Palace to his new possessions on the opposite bank. Of course, the butchers were moved to the New Market (where the bronze boar stands today), and jewelers were settled in their place. This is the only bridge not blown up by the retreating German Nazis in 1944.

But the Old Bridge is not the only one filled with secrets and memories. Its neighbors are no less interesting: in the north the Alle Grazie (Forgiveness) bridge and in the south the Santa Trinita (Holy Trinity) bridge. The Alle Grazie bridge was formerly called Rubiconte, after the medieval head of the Florentine government who personally laid the first stone in 1237. Already in 1320, small wooden houses without doors or windows were erected on each of the bridge pylons on both sides, in which the Florentine hermit nuns Murate (i.e., walled up) settled. And one day, on one of the pylons, a miraculous image of the Mother of God appeared, then called “the giver of forgiveness” - grazie.

The Holy Trinity Bridge was founded a couple of decades after the Alle Grazie Bridge. And he often fell not only from floods but also from the weight of the crowd during frequent entertainment festivals held on the river. One such wreck occurred in 1557. After which Duke Cosimo de' Medici commissions the architect Bartalameo Ammanati to create the bridge that we can see today. Michelangelo participated in the creation of the elegant design. It is no coincidence that exquisite medallions in the shape of an Aries head adorn the bridge, two on each side. Aries is the beginning of the zodiac circle - a symbol of birth and knowledge.

And when you go up to the observation deck in the evening, you are enchanted by the sparkle of the Arno and the illumination of the bridges.

click on the photo








Nuns' houses on the alla Grazie bridge

 

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