What is the name of the historic bridge in Florence that is lined with shops?

Ponte Vecchio is the historic Florence bridge famous for the shops lining its span.

The medieval stone bridge crosses the Arno River and connects central Florence with the Oltrarno district. Although earlier bridges occupied the site, the present Ponte Vecchio dates from the 14th century. Shops were built along the bridge, following a medieval practice that turned important crossings into commercial spaces.

Butchers, tanners, and farmers originally occupied the shops, creating unpleasant smells and waste over the river. In 1565, Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici ordered the Vasari Corridor to be built above the bridge, linking the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti. That same year, a decree removed the butchers and reserved the shops for goldsmiths and jewellers, helping create the bridge’s luxury-shopping identity.

Ponte Vecchio is often compared with Venice’s Rialto Bridge, which is also associated with shops, but they are different landmarks in different Italian cities. Ponte Vecchio is notable as the only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during World War II. Today its shops mainly sell jewellery, art, and souvenirs.