the southern end of the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence. It was built in 1345 on the narrowest part of the Arno river, on the site of a pre-existing crossing, by Neri di Fioravante. It was spared from bombing in WWII, survived the floods of 1966 and is one of the symbols of the city.
Butchers and tanners established themselves on the bridge almost as soon as it was built. Luckily for us, in the 16th century, Cosimo I suggested they vacate the premises and allowed jewellers to take their place. The bridge then began to assume the appearance we see today with pretty jewellery shops along both sides, with a little gap in the middle from where we can admire the view of the city on either side of the river.
approaching the bridge
I’m sure it is possible to buy jewellery at cheaper prices elsewhere, but what could be better than crowing to your friends that you bought that little trinket on the Ponte Vecchio.
red coral jewellery
Each shop specialises in a different type of jewellery. There is something here for absolutely everyone.
more lovely coral
lapis lazuli
pearls anyone?
I quite like these - if anyone is interested
and Liz likes these
lovely antique jewellery
a very pretty window
The Ponte Vecchio is the perfect place to window shop.
Beautiful Florence ! I am loving your travels, reminds me of places I have visited and quite a few I haven’t 🙂
By: Joanna @ Zeb Bakes on November 27, 2010
at 2:30 pm
One of the places I’d only heard about and read about in books. Thanks for sharing the photos, Debra, this looks like a wonderful place to stroll away an afternoon..
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on November 27, 2010
at 6:48 pm
Beautiful Florence – it’s a while since I’ve been there.. must return! Love those pink earrings.
By: mary D on November 27, 2010
at 9:41 pm
Ooooo! I had the best dish of wild boar and polenta just around the corner from there!
I think I need to go back as I obviously didn’t see those dangly antique earrings and they are just want my ears need.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on November 27, 2010
at 10:33 pm
Oh, I’d heard of this bridge of course and almost forgotten about it until now. How wonderful to be able to buy & crow about it there huh. I’d love to see it, another for the Bucket List 🙂
By: Anna Johnston on November 27, 2010
at 10:36 pm
I remember those jewelry shops and they’re just amazing! I’d love to own a pair of coral earrings. Also admired the unusual pair of dangling earrings in the last photo. The stroll along the Ponte Vecchio bridge was one of the most enjoyable strolls I recalled, especially as the sun started to set and all the shops lit up like sparkling jewels in the night. Thanks for bringing back such happy memories for me.
By: Sandra H. on November 28, 2010
at 12:06 pm
Sigh!! oh to be back there, in any weather! The shops are indeed lovely, though I love the papermakers 😉
By: Deb on November 29, 2010
at 11:35 am
We have a lovely photo of Liz & our youngest daughter (then a teenager) in the middle of the bridge. We never thought that, more than 20 years later, the photo would be in our house overlooking Ponte a Serraglio. Love your blog, it keeps us in touch while we’re not at home (which is far too often).
By: Jim & Liz on December 4, 2010
at 3:03 pm
Thank you for your comments. I love the bridge, and walk over it at least once every time I go to Florence. Where is your house?
Deb
By: bagnidilucca on December 4, 2010
at 9:59 pm
The pink farmhouse on the hill below Granaiola.
By: jim & Liz on December 5, 2010
at 6:29 am
I will be back in Ponte a Serraglio in February – perhaps we will catch up at the bar.
By: bagnidilucca on December 5, 2010
at 6:35 am
I’m sure we will at some point, but unfortunately it’s unlikely to be February.
By: Jim & Liz on December 5, 2010
at 11:55 am
I will be there until mid May next year.
By: bagnidilucca on December 5, 2010
at 9:00 pm
Hopefully April then.
By: Jim & Liz on December 6, 2010
at 7:31 am
Window shop being the operative word! How lovely! I love the earrings you love. They remind me of the earrings at Kellies Antiques! I enjoy your blog so much, keep up the wonderful posts and photos.
By: Moira Drexler on December 6, 2010
at 9:55 pm
[…] here for more of fabulous Florence and here for a look at the jewels on the […]
By: Today at the Ponte Vecchio « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on February 10, 2011
at 5:36 pm