Ponte Vecchio - "Old Bridge" and other Florence, Italy Things to Do Tips

Spanning the Arno River at its widest point, it is the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence. The current bridge was built in 1345 as a replacement for the previous bridge swept away by a flood. It is the only bridge in Florence to survive World War II. Atop the shops on the bridge is the famous Corridoio Vasariano (Vasari's corridor). Designed by famous architect Vasari to allow Duke Cosimo I de Medici to cross safely from the site of the Medici government in the Uffizi to his palace in the Palazzo Pitti. Butchers, blacksmiths and tanners originally occupied the shops on the bridge but were replaced by goldsmiths after the Duke objected to the foul smells eminating from the tenants' shops. To this day, jewelry stores occupy the shops on the bridge.

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The locks on the Ponte Vecchio are placed there by lovers "locking" their love. Legend has it that if lovers place a lock on the Ponte Vecchio and toss the key into the Arno River, their love will last forever.

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Directions: Ponte Vecchio

Located in the Mercato Nuovo, Il Porcellino was designed by Pietro Tacca, 1612. Legend has it that if you rub Il Porcellino's nose, you will return to Florence.

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Directions: Mercato Nuovo

The magnificient Duomo (Santa Maria de Fiore), the most distinctive feature of Florence's skyline, is the 4th largest cathedral in the world. Construction began in 1296 and concluded in 1462. The massive Filippo Brunelleschi designed octagonal cupola, built between 1420-1436, was considered an engineering marvel at the time. For a fee, you can climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for a panoramic view of Florence. The grand interior of the cathedral houses magnificient artwork.

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Address: Piazza Duomo
Directions: Go to Florence and look up. Can't miss it.

Climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for a magnificient view of Florence. The top of the Duomo is 300 ft high and there are no elevators. Well worth the climb!

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Address: Piazza Duomo
Directions: Il Duomo

The museum houses sculptures removed from the Duomo for preservation and restoration. Among the hundreds of items on display are the original Ghiberti door panels from the Baptistry's "Gates of Paradise" doors, Michelagelo's unfinished Pieta, Duomo architect Brunelleschi's Duomo wooden models, and his death mask.

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Phone: 055-230-2885
Address: Piazza del Duomo 9
Directions: Piazza Duomo
Website: www.operaduomo.firenze.it

Dating back to ancient Roman times, the octagonal Baptistry is the oldest Christian Temple in the city. The current structure was built between the 11th and 13th century on the site of a pagan temple. The most famous feature of the Baptistry are the east facing guilded bronze doors by Ghiberti. The doors were dubbed "Gates of Paradise" by Michelangelo.

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Address: Piazza Duomo
Directions: In front of the Duomo

Designed by Giotto in 1334 the campanile is the Duomo's bell tower. The freestanding tower is 85 meters (279 ft.) tall. Climb the 414 steps to the top for a close up of the Duomo's cupola and a panoramic view of Florence.

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Address: Piazza Duomo
Directions: Next to Duomo

The current eastern doors are actually copies of the originals. Damaged by the centuries and a 1966 flood, the restored original door panels are housed in the nearby Opera Del Duomo Museum. Consisting of 10 gilded bronze panels depicting Biblical scenes, it took Ghiberti 27 years (1425-1452) to complete the massive doors to the Baptristry. Inspired by Ghiberti's masterpiece, Michelangelo called it the "Gates of Paradise". If you look carefully you will notice a self portrait of Ghiberti at the center of the door.

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Address: Piazza Duomo
Directions: Baptistry in front of Duomo

Built to commemorate the unification of Italy after centuries of a feudal and divided country.

Inscription reads: "The ancient heart of the city was restored to new life from its former squalor', 1895

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Address: Piazza della Repubblica
Directions: Piazza della Repubblica