FLORENCE (Firenze) - Ponte Vecchio The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") is a medieval, stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River. The only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during the Second World War, it is noted for the shops built along it. Building shops on such bridges was once a common practice. Butchers, tanners, and farmers initially occupied the shops, but the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers.
