Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio (English: 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]
Notes and references