Ponte Vecchio

 Italia > Tuscany > Metropolitan City of Florence > Florence

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The Ponte Vecchio over the Arno in Florence. It is the oldest bridge of the city. Originally, butchers and tanners occupied the houses on the bridge, throwing their stinking waste into the river. In 1565, however, Cosimos I de 'Medici let them be replaced by goldsmiths, as they produce no waste. Until today, jewelery shops are located in the houses.