Europe's Oldest Bridge. by artaddict2
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Description
The Ponte Vecchio, one of the most photographed sights in Florence.
Originally the Ponte alla Carraia built 1218 was the city's only crossing, but was swept away by the great flood 1333. The present structure Ponte Vecchio was built 1345. Was spared by retreating Nazis 1944 and said to have been upon Hitler's direct orders.
Shops on the bridge date back to the 14th century, butchers fishmongers and tanners. Across the top was built a corridor, Corridoio Vasariano by Vasari for Cosimo 1 to walk undisturbed. In 1593 Ferdinand 1 decreed that only Jewellers and Goldsmiths should occupy the bridge. To this day every shop is a jewellers or goldsmith.
This is where I bought my partner Sylvia a pretty piece of jewellry and chain to wear around her neck. (I have the ball and chain around my ankle lol.)
Thanks for dropping by. thanks for all comments.
Comments (24)
mickuk50
this a great people shot alan everyone going about their way and again interesting info .i think its great when there is something to read along with the pic :o) mick
xesquez
Nice picture, I like the light in particular. By the way, by far not Europe's oldest bridge: for example the romans were pretty good in building bridges.
Valerie-Ducom
Very nice picture on this street and excellent atmosphere ! Good day :)
42n8
Wonderful image, love the POV that goes with this capture.
JeffG7BRJ
Great shot of this very busy bridge Alan, filled with lots to see. Is that a couple of firemen I see in the crowd or is that how the police dress over there? The two white hats just left of middle center. There are quite a few interesting faces, the best shots are candids. Not only do you have all the people but there are some interesting building details as well. Excellent image. Bravo!!!!!
Gog
A lovely image, as Jeff said full of interesting things to see. I believe you are a little factually incorrect, the oldest bridge still in use in europe is the moat bridge at Eltham Palace in London. Built in 1295 (my brother used to be a tour guide...).
kgb224
Thank you for sharing some history of yhe oldest bridge with us. Excellent capture.
chips7
Wonderful capture!
MUSEWORX
Very nice photography! Facsinating arhitecture!
MrsLubner
Hey, the question of the "oldest" really is not important to most of us Americans since our oldest bridge was the land bridge from Asian to this continent that disappeared when the temperatures rose above freezing... :-) and the oldest bridge still in use here is probably no more than 150 to 200 years old. Most of our older bridges fall down (like the children's rhyme... London Bridges falling down???) on a regular basis from poor maintenance. Sort of along the lines of our older buildings fall down from neglect or are torn down in the name of progress. Not much stays more than 150 years around here unless it's in the New England states or part of an archeological dig and reconstruction project... :-) Its hard to imagine a bridge with shops on it. So many of our famous bridges don't even allow for foot traffic over them! Utterly fabulous shot!
hipps13
this is cool thanks for the laugh your words were fun to read as was the image fun to see sweet day to you warm hug, Linda
prionbrain
WOW!! Awesome!!! Never been there!!! Thanks for the history lesson!!!
artaddict2
Well I'm quite happy that at the least it has caused a good bit of conversation, the "Site" dates back to Roman times. Tomorrow I will upload the "tourists" view of this fascinating bridge with a more cautious choice of title lol. Thanks for the comments. To answer Jeffs question - the uniformed people in the white hats are Police.
Richardphotos
really a piece of historical significance and very candid
amlondono
Superb , Love the mood ! Thanks ! Ana
Saurav
Great shot with superb mood and balanced composition.
junge1
A nicely caught shot. Is it the oldest continuous bridge or the oldest on this site like the Charles Bridge in Prague? Just being a devil's advocate. Whatever, it is a very nice photo.
frankie96
Lots of history..thanks for sharing it...
adonise
Wonderful capture...
jocko500
should got the goldsmith to gold plate the ball and chain. wonderful image of this bridge
virginiese
Great shot ! I was outhere and you picture the atmospher very well !
evielouise
It's really an interesting part of history and as a person living in the good ole US_of A I am very interested: Thanks for the information and a lovely photo! well done:
Windworker
As I recall, Hitler had his hands full with General Patton's finest helping to chase the invaders out of Italy. I'm very glad the tanks didn't destroy this fine scene you've captured so vividly! Hey xesquez! Did you catch where this is? Italy, Rome is in same country, Romans, right!
gargoyle84
What a wonderful capture! Such a gorgeous place -- great architecture! I love photos like this that share such historic sites. Like Mrs Lubner says, there isn't much in the USA older than 150-200 years... unless you ask my husband -- he seems to think I'm older than the hills. hahahaha Well done! :^)