Experts' Choice Award Ponte Vecchio
What the experts agree on
Florence's iconic 1345 bridge charms with riverside views and Arno sunsets, lined with gold and jewelry shops that give couples something to admire while crossing at the river's narrowest point.
“Gold shops line up on its curvy backside, providing couples on the promenade something to talk about. ”
– Let's Go
Fodor's "This charmingly simple bridge was built in 1345 to replace an earlier bridge swept away by flood. Its shops first housed butchers, then grocers, blacksmiths, and other merchants." Full review
Concierge "Crossing the Arno at its narrowest point, the 14th-century Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in the world."
Condé Nast Traveler "Still worth visiting." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The city's oldest surviving bridge... spans the Arno at its narrowest point." Full review
Afar Magazine "There are few better places from which to enjoy river views and sunsets than the Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345." Full review
U.S. News & World Report13.0
"Duke Ferdinand I of the Medici family decided to designate this unadorned bridge the epicenter of the city's gold and jewel trade. It has maintained this identity ever since." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Cross the Ponte Vecchio – that famous covered bridge with houses dangling off the side – for great views of the River Arno from the open-arched middle"
Florence Travel Guide
July 7, 2021
Frommer's "The oldest and most famous bridge across the Arno, the Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 by Taddeo Gaddi." Full review
"Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in the world and there's nothing like taking a stroll across it, set along the Arno river. Translated to Old Bridge, the stone arch bridge..."
National Geographic "The best free activity in Florence may well be people-watching. Once you peruse the jewelry and souvenir shops along the Ponte Vecchio (the medieval stone bridge over the Arno River), get..."
