Pont des Marchands in Narbonne, France, is one example.
The bridge has been home to shops across its span since the 13th century.
Merchants would sell their goods on tables after receiving approval to do so from the proper authorities.
This practice was called “bancorotto” and is believed that the economic concept of bankruptcy originated here.
So the duke decided that the new occupants of the bridge should be goldsmiths.
Jewelers still make up a majority of the Ponte Vecchio shops today.
In fact, some of Florences best jewelers sell their creations on this medieval bridge.
There are also some art studios and souvenir shops.Read more of Ponte Vecchios history.
There are also cafes and eateries offering delicious Thuringian specialties.
The stone bridge was completed in 1325.
It was provided with half-timbered houses and two stone churches on each end.
Famous architects offered their plans but all involved a Classical approach with several arches.
Finally, the original inclined ramp design of the wooden bridge was chosen.
The current stone bridge was built in 1591.
It has two inclined ramps leading up to a central portico.
On either side of the portico, the covered ramps carry rows of shops.
The Pulteneys estate was across the river from the city and could only be reached by ferry.
The shops on the north side have cantilevered rear extensions that ruins the bridges symmetry.
But the southern external side clearly shows the hand of Robert Adam.
The bridge is now designated as a Grade I listed building.
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