The Iconic Ponte Vechio - Florence, Italy

The rustic Ponte Vechio, Florence, Italy

Florence is the main town of Tuscany region and it is in the center of Italy. The city of Florence is not too big and even without a map it is quiet easy to navigate the city. We walked from the main train station, Santa Maria Novella station to San Lorenzo Leather market and from there we walked to River Arno. 

The city has many high-end Italian designers stores, hotels  and interesting sites to visit. It is also a practical and perfect base to tour the region. If you walk along river Arno, you will see many people pointing their cameras towards an old bridge. At a glance the bridge does not look like a monument that deserves all the attentions but as I read through its history, Ponte Vechio has an interesting history to tell. A story of how it has been through a test of time and a series of destruction but today it is still there for us to appreciate it. 

It was believed that Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) was built during Roman times in Florence. Previously, the shops on the bridge was occupied by the butchers but today, the present tenants are jewelers, art and souvenirs sellers. The bridge was first built in 996 and reconstructed in 1117 after it was destroyed by a flood and again it was swept by flood in 1333. In 1345, the bridge was rebuilt again but during the World War II, the Germans destroyed Ponte Vechio when they retreat on August 4, 1944. 

This Florence's most famous old bridge is one of the most photographed landmark in the city and it is not surprising to see many people leaning on the walls along River Arno to get their best shots of this iconic bridge. The buildings along River Arno too are colorful and interesting to watch but due to heavy crowds around the area, you have to watch your belongings and wallets at all time.

The view along River Arno

People flooding the bridge

Souvenir shops on the bridge

The buildings at the other end of the bridge

A side view

On the bank of River Arno

The middle part of the bridge

Another view of Ponte Vechio

The private accommodation on the bridge 

Shopping at San Lorenzo Leather Market - Florence, Italy

Colorful quality leather jackets and handbags at reasonable price

San Lorenzo leather market is a popular spot in Florence and the number of visitors flooding the place justifies its popularity. I first come across this market while watching one of most inspiring journey of Samantha Brown aired on television and I thought one day I shall visit this place.I end up visiting this place twice in 2010 and 2012! Even if you are not planning for a shopping spree, a visit to Florence market would be interesting and photographing in this market is fun. But be careful with your belongings and beware of pickpockets around this area.

The market is just a short walk from Santa Novella train station.  It is fun with all colors around us and the noise adds to the excitement. Great place to shop for jackets, belts, purses and wallets for personal use and gifts. Many stalls along the streets have their main store just behind them and the owners speak English very well which makes bargaining easier.  Bargain quietly and politely, as some vendors can be pushy. 

You need a few hours or half a day to shop here and to give yourself time to observe the quality of the leather before purchasing. Quality can vary greatly from one stall to another so pick your items carefully.