Many centuries ago, bridges served many purposes.
Thats because this iconic medieval bridge is always crowded with shoppers.
The Ponte Vecchio 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.
The shops belonged to the Commune and were rented out, originally to butchers, fishmongers, and tanners.
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.
By the 17th century the bridge had taken on a chaotic appearance that we see today.
All the bridges in Florence were blown up, but Ponte Vecchio was spared.
Instead they blocked access by demolishing the medieval buildings on each side.
Even Adolf Hitler recognized that destroying Ponte Vecchio would be a crime too many.
