Ponte Vecchio: Still There!

The Ponte Vecchio, or what is called the Old Bridge in English, is one of the most famous bridges in the world.  This has been characterized as a medieval bridge that constitutes the oldest arc bridge of the entire Europe.  This bridge crosses the Arno in its ampler point.  It is very interesting that the Ponte Vecchio was initially made of wood.  In 1333, this bridge was completely destroyed by a flood; nevertheless, it was rebuilt in stone in 1345.  It is very common to find shops and merchants displaying goods on some tables there since there is a legend saying that they did so for tax exemption.

It is estimated that the Ponte Vecchio was the first bridge in being constructed during the Roman times.  However, after the flooding, some traits of the bridge on the 10th century still remain.  The bridge that these days we are able to see in Florence was constructed in the middle of the 14th century.  It is incredible that during the World War II, this bridge was the only one that was not destroyed by the Germans in 1944.

Moreover, there are some traditions that make this bridge so special.  One of them refers to the custom that has to do with the locks of Ponte Vecchio.  There are some locks locked to different places.  The tradition consists of the fact that lovers must write their names on the lock, lock it to the ponte and throw the key.  In this way, they are securing their love for the rest of the times.  Hence, if you want to live a wonderful experience that you could never make real in another place, you must come to the Ponte Vecchio.  So, remember to come with your beloved!