Florence - Old Bridge

(Local Name: Ponte Vecchio) It is possible that the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the "Old Bridge" at the narrowest point on the Arno River, dates back to Etruscan times. It is known for certain this is where there was a wooden bridge for the Roman consular road, the Via Cassia, to cross the river. On account of its age the Ponte Vecchio has undergone more repair following collapse or flooding than any other bridge in the city.

Shops and dwellings have been built on it since the 13th century. It was convenient for the butchers who could throw their waste straight into the river, to the delight of the fish and those Florentines who had to keep the city clean. The number of shops increased to such an extent,