Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in the city, not only because it is the only bridge that has preserved its original appearance. the only bridge to have retained its original appearance, but also because it is located on the same spot where the three preceding bridges were built: An ancient Roman bridge; a bridge that collapsed in 1117; and a bridge that was demolished in the flood of 1333. in the flood of 1333. The bridge that can be seen today is the work of of the architect Neri di Fioravante (1345), who created a sturdy but light and graceful structure of three three graceful construction of three arches.
A distinctive feature of the Ponte Vecchio is the row of houses crowded on both sides of it. on either side of the Ponte Vecchio. The monotonous line of 14th-century buildings has been disrupted over time by various transformations. has been disrupted over time by various transformations. Their modern appearance is extremely picturesque. In the centre of the bridge spans, the row of buildings is interrupted, giving way to an open area from which one can admire the river. In the centre of the bridge spans, the row of buildings is interrupted, giving way to an open area from which one can admire the river and other bridges in the city. of the city. Above the buildings is the Vasari Corridor, named after the architect, who created it so that Cosimo I could pass safely from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Vecchio. Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace. From the 14th century onwards, the shops of the bridge became jewellery shops and workshops. jewellery shops and workshops. In the middle of the bridge is a bust of the famous sculptor and goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini.
