Description
Ponte Vecchio on River Arno of Florence in Tuscany, Italy. This medieval arch bridge was built in 1345 after its predecessors had been swept away by floods. On Hitler’s orders, the bridge was the only Florentine one spared when the Nazis retreated from Florence in August 1944. Floods in 1966 severely damaged the Ponte Vecchio, but it today stands proud, home to goldsmiths and jewellers after its many butchers were outlawed by decree in 1595 in order to clean up the area. Today the only menace to the bridge are love locks which are discouraged and incur a fine from authorities.