Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio (English: Old Bridge) is a famous bridge in Florence, spanning the Arno river.

History

Construction

This famous bridge spans the Arno at its narrowest point. The original version was presumably constructed by the Romans, but records of its existence did not appear until 996.

Two previous incarnations of the bridge were swept away in floods before the present structure was built in 1345, with a tower being constructed at the southeast corner to defend it. Consisting of three segmental arches, the bridge had shops lining the central passageway, which was a common feature during the Renaissance.

When the Medici family bought the Palazzo Pitti in 1549, the interior of the bridge's upper levels was redesigned. The new plans included a secret walkway crossing the bridge, serving as a link in a series of tunnels built by the Medici so they could travel from the Palazzo Pitti to the Palazzo della Signoria undetected.

Renaissance

Ezio and Lorenzo talking on the bridge

On 26 December 1476, the bridge was the site of a large street fight between the friends of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, and of Vieri de' Pazzi, who had recently developed a strong rivalry over the issues involving their fathers.

Two years later, Ezio met with the ruler of Florence, Lorenzo de' Medici, on the bridge to discuss the Pazzi conspiracy.

In 1497, the bridge was blockaded by the Condottiero, one of the lieutenants of Girolamo Savonarola, who demanded payment for passage. However, the Condottiero was later killed by the Assassin Ezio Auditore.

In May 1519, members of the local chapter of the Assassins visited the bridge as part of their search for the clues to the havens Leonardo da Vinci hid in the city. Their investigation at the landmark did not garner any new pieces of the puzzle, but did lead to a skirmish against a group of bandits that had been attacking passers-by. After the ruffians had been driven off, two would-be-victims, Flora and Alessio, offered to join the Assassin in their quest, helping out with their experience as a thief and sharp mind, respectively.

Trivia

• In Assassin's Creed: Identity, the Ponte Vecchio can be seen in Florence, though it can't be visited.

Gallery

• 
  Database image of Ponte Vecchio in Assassin's Creed II
• 
  Database image of Ponte Vecchio in Assassin's Creed: Identity
• 
  Ezio assassinating the condottiero on the Ponte Vecchio
• 
  Paola and La Volpe leading citizens across the Ponte Vecchio

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed II (first appearance)
  • Bonfire of the Vanities
• Assassin's Creed: Identity
• Assassin's Creed: The Last Quest of Leonardo da Vinci