When you can take your eyes off the glittering jewels on the Ponte Vecchio, or the gorgeous views up and down the Arno from the centre of the bridge, look up to see the ancient sundial.
Up to the 13th century the Ponte Vecchio was Florence’s only bridge. After the flood of 1333, it was rebuilt with a 3 arched structure with shops along both sides. In the middle is a little piazza.
On the roof of a shop was erected the sundial supported by a white marble pillar. Underneath is a stone table which says…
“In the year 1333 the bridge collapsed due to floods of water; 12 years later, as pleased the Comune, it was rebuilt with this ornamentation.”
…and most of it is still there for us to admire.