Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) was the primary crossing of the Arno river within the city walls of Florence.
Constructed in Roman times by the Renaissance, the Ponte Vecchio housed a myriad of shops, market stalls and houses along its two edges, and was a popular location for both the natives of Florence, and its visitors.
In 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, here to discuss the Pazzi Conspiracy.[1]
In 1498, the bridge was blockaded by one of the followers of Girolamo Savonarola, who would demand payment for passage.[2]
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