The Ponte Vecchio perhaps represents progress of humankind through the centuries more specifically than any other monument in Italy. Built by the Etruscans, the bridge has withstood many storms and many assaults by invading legions. Located over the widest part of the Arno River, the bridge has been rebuilt and restored countless times throughout its lengthy history changing, yet remaining unique, with the times.
The bridge was originally built to gain access over the Arno. Shops were added by merchants: blacksmiths, butchers and tanners, all of interest to traveling soldiers. Then, during the Middle Ages, Florence was hit hard by the Plague and half of Florence was wiped out by the Black Death. The Medici family moved into Florence, bringing with them vast wealth and appreciation of the finer things in life. Seeing the merchants on the bridge using the Arno River as their own personal sewer system did not fit in with their ideas for the beautification of the area.
Soon, blacksmiths, butchers and tanners were replaced with goldsmiths and artists and the number of shops increased. An upper level was added between 1565 and 1800, along with a back row of shops. The increased trade helped Florence grow and the new shops gave the bridge structure and strength. The Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in the area to survive WWII and a massive flood in 1966, although taking out shops on the bridge, did not conquer its strength and the bridge survived.
This bridge embodies the progress of humanity: it carried soldiers into battle, opened commerce and has become a vast gathering place for people from all walks of life. It has been assaulted by floods, a huge fire (1332) and human neglect. Staring out as a wooden access, it has been rebuilt many times, of wood, of stone and, in recent years, designed and structured with modern techniques. I cannot imagine any trip to Florence without strolling the Ponte Vecchio. A further comment: The shops on the bridge are interesting and compelling but the prices are a bit higher than at the various markets and shops in Florence. Shop here but buy elsewhere.
