|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ponte Vecchio travel wonder in Florence, Italy |
|
|
Why the It is the world's most photogenic bridge. Shops line both sides, forming a covered passageway between the banks of the Arno River in Florence, Italy.
How it evolved Ponte Vecchio aptly means "Old Bridge" in Italian. It was built in 1345 after the previous bridge had been swept away by the flooding river.
Came close to being destroyed Ponte Vecchio was almost blown up in World War II by the retreating Germans, who ordered the destruction of all Florence bridges to slow down the advancing Allied armies. At the last minute, the 600-year-old Ponte Vecchio was spared for posterity's sake.
Not what it used to be The Ponte Vecchio once earned my Gold Medal. Then, it gradually dropped in medal status to Bronze as the atmospheric traditional exteriors of the shops were contemporized.
View my other gold, silver & bronze medal
winners in Italy
My Italian phrase guide for travelers What every visitor should know.
Italian
cuisine guide
Vatican City
Note: Its wonders are not listed in my Italy Guide. Even though the Vatican lies within Rome, it is not part of it or Italy. It's an independent nation. Click to see its gold, silver and bronze medals,
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that my Ponte Vecchio page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip ©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications
|
Originally, the bridge buildings housed butcher shops and
greengrocers. This changed in the 15th century when the government decided that such enterprises were
unglamorous for Ponte Vecchio's image. The food merchants were soon replaced with gold and silversmiths.The
jewelry trade continues to this day to be a mainstay on the bridge.
