Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio by tomg
Ponte Vecchio by tomg

Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio (Italian for Old Bridge) is the most famous bridge in Florence, Italy.

It is also the oldest, this structure with three stone arches replaced a wooden bridge which had crossed the Arno River at this spot since Roman times.

The upper side of the bridge, known as the Vasariano corridor, was designed by Vasari to link the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace; today it is an art gallery.

The bridge is inhabited. Originally the sides held food shops but by the end of the 15th century the shops were assigned to goldsmiths and silversmiths. An opening midway across the bridge offers views of the river and shore.

It is said that the economic concept of bankruptcy originated here: when a merchant could not pay his debts, the table on which he sold his wares (the “banco”) was physically broken (“rotto”) by soldiers, and this practice was called “bancorotto” (broken table; possibly it can come from “banca rotta” which means “broken bank”). Not having a table anymore, the merchant was not able to sell anything.

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  • Zoltan

    Zoltan, 6 months ago

    thanks for your comment ! and nice pic as well

  • Joanne Bradley

    Joanne Bradley, 6 months ago

    Beautiful shot and so clear!

  • susan davies

    susan davies, 6 months ago

    great crisp clear shot

  • hilarydougill

    hilarydougill, 6 months ago

    You do evoke memories for me!! Wonderful capture, great comp and perspective, wonderful shot. great colours

  • LocoCow

    LocoCow, 6 months ago

    Awesome color and scenic view

  • Ozcloggie

    Ozcloggie, 6 months ago

    Is this going into the Bridges group? Interesting about the origin of bankruptcy!! Great picture!

  • tomg

    tomg in reply to Ozcloggie’s comment, 6 months ago

    I did not know there was a “Bridges Group”. I will check it out.

    Love your paintings, you are super talented.

  • wildrider58

    wildrider58, 6 months ago

    great image

  • Marylamb

    Marylamb, 6 months ago

    I love the detail. It’s a great photo.

  • JoanIreland1970

    JoanIreland1970, 5 months ago

    very nice

  • Ozcloggie

    Ozcloggie, 5 months ago

    THanks for putting this in the Bridges Group. Ooops! Just looked up and saw your comment. Now I’m embarrassed but very pleased. :)

  • jerry  alcantara

    jerry alcantara, 5 months ago

    you done it well ,bravissimo! nice to see my city,great shot

  • tomg

    tomg in reply to jerry alcantara’s comment, 5 months ago

    I have a few more Firenze shots if you have the time.

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Tags:

bridge, italy, river and florence