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The bridges of Florence

Here’s another view of Florence, Italy, taken from the Piazzale Michelangelo high spot on the south side of the River Arno.

 

This time, what we see are the bridges spanning the river – notably, in the foreground, Ponte Vecchio, one of the most celebrated bridges in the world. Immediately behind it is Ponte Santa Trinita.

 

Building work on the Ponte Vecchio was completed in 1345 and the structure has always been notable for its shops. In medieval times they were tanners, butchers, fishmongers and the like; today they are jewellers, art dealers and souvenir shops.

 

One point of modern history. During the Second World War, the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge on the Arno spared by retreating German forces in August 1944, apparently on the orders of Hitler himself; all the others were destroyed.

 

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Uploaded on July 19, 2024
Taken on June 19, 2024