Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), Florence (must see)

Ponte Vecchio, or The Old Bridge, first appeared in written records all the way back in 996. Of the six bridges that span the Arno River in Florence, it’s the only one that survived World War II intact—spared by retreating German forces. Today, this medieval stone arch structure stands as a powerful reminder of how a ruler’s vision can shape a city’s legacy.

As in the Middle Ages, the bridge is still lined with shops—but what’s sold here has changed quite a bit over time. Originally, it was occupied by butchers, who were know for tossing animal waste directly into the river—hardly ideal for anyone strolling by. That all changed in the 16th century, when Grand Duke Ferdinando de’ Medici had the meat merchants removed and replaced with goldsmiths. Not only did this improve the smell, but it also turned the bridge into one of the most glittering, upscale corners of Florence.

Take a look from a distance, and you might spot something unusual—a raised corridor running above the shops. This hidden passage is part of the Vasari Corridor, a nearly kilometer-long tunnel that connects the Pitti Palace with the Old Palace. It was built so that the Grand Duke could move between his residence and government offices without mingling with the crowds. Although closed since 2016 for safety reasons, there are plans to reopen it for visitors.

There’s even a bit of financial folklore tied to this spot, which is said to be the birthplace of the term “bankruptcy.” When a moneylender couldn’t pay his debts, soldiers smashed his trading bench—called a banco—to pieces, a symbolic act that left him unable to operate. Hence the term “bancorotto”, or “broken bench”, was born.

These days, the Old Bridge is a lovely place for a walk—especially at sunset, when the light casts a golden glow over the Arno. Early mornings are just as magical, with soft reflections on the water and, if you’re lucky, the bridge nearly all to yourself.