Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is the most famous bridge in Florence.  It is free to visit at any time of day, year round.  It crosses the Arno River.  Ponte Vecchio means "Old bridge" and is believed to be from medieval times.  It is the oldest bridge in Florence.  It was the only Florence bridge to survive the WWII bombings.  It is full of shops and is closed to automobile traffic.  In 1565 the Vasari Corridor, the secret passageway meant to connect the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti, was built on top of Ponte Vecchio.  

View from Ponte Vecchio out at the Arno River with Ponte alle Grazie in the distance

The top floor of the Ponte Vecchio is the Vasari Corridor, a secret passageway that goes between the Uffizi Gallery and Boboli Gardens

My daughter sitting on Ponte Santa Trinita with Ponte Vecchio in the background

My daughter and I got gelato and crepes at a nearby shop and then admired the view of the river and Ponte Vecchio

Beautiful and iconic Ponte Vecchio

Me standing on Ponte Vecchio with Ponte Santa Trinita in the background

My daughter and I on Ponte Vecchio with Ponte Santa Trinita in the background

Ponte Santa Trinita in the background, standing on Ponte Vecchio

This photo is of Ponte Santa Trinita, the closest bridge to Ponte Vecchio

This duck on Ponte Vecchio was not shy about socializing with tourists

Ponte alle Grazie in the background

The location of Ponte Vecchio in Florence.  The google maps location is here:  Ponte Vecchio