Description: Ponte Vecchio - the oldest and most famous of the seven bridges in Florence, exchanging over the River Arno.
Ponte Vecchio, as we know it today, was built in 1345 by architect Taddeo Gaddi and a nifty three-arch design with numerous shops, located on either side of the bridge.
I have this bridge enchanted at first sight. No, not even true. I was waiting for a meeting with the bridge. Even before the trip to Florence, I knew that this bridge - one of the main attractions of Florence (and on the part of the attractions of this city well, very rich!).
Especially fascinating look this bridge in the dark Tuscan night under a full moon.
According to the traditions of the Middle Ages, the bridge was divided by 38 is absolutely equal-sized chunks, which conducted trade. Here, traders are still living. On the second floor of their shops and warehouses.
Previously traded here first butchers, then grocers, blacksmiths and other merchants. And later on the orders of the ruler of Florence, Ferdinand I here were allowed to sell only jewelry. They sell now.
A trade butchers on the bridge banned for a very interesting reason. The reason for this - the construction of Corridor Vasari - indoor galleries kilometer length, passing over the bridge of Ponte Vecchio. The corridor was built in 1564, designed by Giorgio Vasari. It was built in just 5 months for the wedding of Francesco I de 'Medici and Giovanna of Austria. The corridor is a covered passage, reaching high above the ground, almost 1 km long and connects the Palazzo Pitti, which served as the residence of the Grand Duke, and the Uffizi, or offices, where he worked. See in the photo below - under krasnocherepichnoy roof, starting right at the Uffizi Gallery, the Vasari Corridor bending at right angles, goes over the bridge Ponte Veko. By the way, due to the fact that residents of one of the towers, through which the gallery was to be held, did not agree to leave their homes, the gallery has a few unusual curved shape.
Starting from the Western Corridor Uffizi Gallery (entrance between halls 25 and 34), exit corridor to the river and then along the river Arno, the Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio) to the Pitti Palace. While the bridge was located meat market, unpleasant odors which could offend the Duke of aristocratic nose. So the market moved to another location, and on the bridge since then (more precisely, with 1593) there are shops of jewelers.
Afternoon on the bridge hum with life. Crowds of tourists staring and asking prices to display in ancient jewelry stores.
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