Florence, Italy has many historical sites but the most fascinating to me is the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).  I first visited Florence in 1998 during a study abroad and I remember taking a tour of the city and seeing and hearing about the Ponte Vecchio.  What is amazing about the bridge is that it has been destroyed twice and was last rebuilt around 1345.  It is a living legend that was built during Medieval times.  It is believed to have been first built by the Romans over 1,000 years ago.

Shops have always been present on the bridge where past and modern merchants displayed their goods and services for the citizens of Florence. When you walk on the bridge, you get the feeling that you are back in another time and space.  It is such an amazing feeling to shop at the same place where people for centuries have walked and bought goods.

Another interesting fact about the Ponte Vecchio is that it was not destroyed by the Germans during the retreat in 1944.  Every other bridge in Florence was destroyed by the Germans.  Maybe the commanding officer felt the same way I do about the bridge and could not live with the thought of destroying it.

The Ponte Vecchio is a must see when visiting Florence.  I hope you have or will enjoy the bridge as much as I did.  As always, I look forward to hearing from you.