In what will be a 2 million euro makeover, Florence’s famous bridge Ponte Vecchio is planned to be restored to its former glory. In its 700-year-existence, the bridge has withstood many historical and often destructive events, such as the Nazi invasion during World War II. Even though the monument has been maintained over the years, never before has the Ponte Vecchio undergone such a major renovation.
Ponte Vecchio is not only a well-known selfie spot for tourists visiting Florence, it also happens to be quite a piece of engineering dating back to 1345. The pedestrian bridge, crossing the river Arno, is covered with colourful jewellery shops on the ground level and first floor, while an upper gallery connects the Uffizi Gallery with the Pitti Palace.
“For the first time in its long history, the Ponte Vecchio will undergo a complex restoration operation,” explained Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence, to the reporters during the announcement. “The bridge doesn’t have any stability issues, but it does suffer from the usual problems linked with being outdoors, open to the elements and the ebbs and flows of the river. This is a historic project because the Ponte Vecchio has never undergone a restoration with this level of technical complexity. When it’s finished, we will have an even more beautiful bridge than before.”
The renovation works will be financed by the city of Florence and the Marchesi Antinori winemakers (who will donate about half of the funds). The entire bridge will be cleaned to take away any natural or chemical deposits, while the structure will be strengthened and the footpath will be restored. Works on the upper part of the bridge will start in October 2024, while the rest of the construction will be restored over the course of 2025 and 2026. A lot of the work will happen during spring and summer from a pontoon positioned below the Ponte Vecchio, because the river is at its lowest point at that time.
“Our family history has always been inextricably linked to Florence since the 13th century,” the group’s president, Piero Antinori, said in a statement. “The city has given us so much over the centuries, which is why it is a pleasure for us to be able to be part of this important project.”
Even though the renovation will be thorough, shopkeepers will be able to stay open during the works, and tourists will maintain access to one of Florence’s most famous attractions.
