Ponte Vecchio in Florence: history, the Vasari Corridor, and the 2024–2026 restoration

Florence has no shortage of beautiful corners, but Ponte Vecchio is one of the most distinctive. This centuries-old bridge has stood over the Arno for generations and has witnessed wars, floods, shifts of era, and even a recent round of repairs. Now it is back in the spotlight as plans to refresh it move ahead. Why does it matter so much to the city, and what is happening to it today?

A bridge built to last

The earliest mention of Ponte Vecchio dates to 996, and it may even trace back to Roman times. It began as a wooden span, but floods swept it away twice. In 1345 it was rebuilt in stone, a real breakthrough: the bridge was set on three broad arches, making it sturdy and dependable. For Europe at the time, this was something new.

From butchers to jewelers

At one time butchers and tanners worked in the shops on the bridge, trading right over the water. In the 16th century the Medici decided that the noise and smells did not suit such a prominent place, removed the craftsmen, and leased the spaces to jewelers. Since then Ponte Vecchio has been known as the jewelers’ bridge, and to this day it is a place to buy jewelry, gold, and other valuables.

A secret passage for rulers

In 1565 a long covered walkway was built above the bridge, the Vasari Corridor. It linked two key Medici residences and let them move quietly and out of sight from one palace to the other. The passage was closed in 2016 and reopened in December 2024. It can now be visited by advance booking, offering an unusual vantage point on Florence.

How the bridge survived the war

During World War II the Germans blew up all the bridges in Florence to slow the Allied advance, but they left Ponte Vecchio standing. There is a legend that Hitler forbade its destruction because he liked it. Whether that is true is unknown, yet the bridge survived. Later, in 1966, a severe flood threatened the city again, and Ponte Vecchio withstood that as well.

Repairs after 60 years

In the autumn of 2024 restoration began for the first time in 60 years, with completion planned for 2026. The work is deliberately careful: the bridge will not be closed and will remain open to pedestrians. The city and the renowned winemaking family Marchesi Antinori are covering the costs, at about two million euros. The arches, parapets, and stonework will be refreshed—everything needed to ensure its preservation.

Why Ponte Vecchio matters

Ponte Vecchio is more than an old bridge. It is a living piece of the city, its soul and emblem. It has been a marketplace, part of the routines of rulers, and a survivor of the hardest times. Now it is entering a second youth, ready to delight future generations.

If you find yourself in Florence, take the time to cross it. Stop, look around, glance toward the water. This is not just a tourist stop—it is a place where history draws breath.