An evening walk on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence
The immense museum heritage of Florence is one of the main reasons to visit the city by tourists from around the world.
Surely it is the most important reason, but not the only one.
Florence is also a very romantic city to live, just think of a simple and wonderful evening walk on the Ponte Vecchio.
The history of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence
Florence’s famous Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in the city. In the year 996 we got the first evidence, but it was definitely in place even in the Roman period, as there ran the Via Cassia.
It’s history is full of catastrophic events and curiosity.
Due to the flooding of the Arno River the Ponte Vecchio collapsed in 1117 and in 1333. In 1345 was built the current and solid three-arched structure in the narrowest point.
In the Middle Ages was awarded to the butchers and greengrocers, but in 1593 Ferdinand I, disturbed by the terrible smell that came from the bridge, replaced the market with the jewelers.
So it was that originated the features today’s shops, built according to medieval models with protruding windows and the back room cantilevered over the river.
The goldsmiths’ shops are interrupted in the middle by three large arches and an open space in which was placed a fountain with the bust of Benvenuto Cellini.
Florence and its Ponte Vecchio nowadays
In today’s Florence the open space over the bridge where there is a bust of Cellini, it has become a destination for lovers from all over the world.
The young lovers in fact use to make a stop on the Ponte Vecchio, shooting the usual ritual photos with the magnificent view. The common practice today is to “seal” their love by closing a padlock with the initials under the sculpture of Cellini.
Close to Oltrarno, expose talented street artists selling wonderful views of the city made with watercolor.
This whole atmosphere gives to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence a truly romantic touch…by day and by night.
An evening walk on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence
Florence is a lovely town and the Ponte Vecchio is its pearl.
If by day you are charmed by his romantic beauty just think of the poetic effect that could have an evening walk on the magic bridge?
It is an indescribable experience, to try at least once in your life.
Walking on the Ponte Vecchio, when the daylight fell and the moon shines the sweet reflections on the Arno river is really romantic.
During the night the shops are closed and leave the scene to street performers, musicians and storytellers who, with their melodies, entertain crowds of onlookers.
Under the three arches overlooking the Arno, not far from the crowd, you will find more isolated and intimate places, to admire the beauty of the river sailed only by small boats guided by wise “watermen” to allow tourists to admire this wonder directly from the water.
Villa Campestri is just a few kilometers from Florence and its charming old town, which is why we advise to all our guests to enjoy an evening walk on the Ponte Vecchio.
We will suggest itineraries to take the best from the city. See you there!
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