Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio (English: Old Bridge) was the primary crossing of the Arno River within the walls of Florence during the Renaissance.
History
Construction
This famous bridge spans the Arno at its narrowest point. The original version was presumably constructed by the Romans, but the first written records only appear in 996.
Two previous incarnations of the bridge were swept away in floods before the present structure was built in 1345. A tower was built at the southeast corner to defend it.
The bridge consists of three segmental arches. It has always had shops lining the central passageway, a feature which seems extraordinary now, but was common during the Renaissance.
Auditore-Pazzi confrontation
.png)
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.
Bonfire of the Vanities
In 1498, 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.