The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno, in Florence, Italy. The only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during World War II, 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; the present tenants are jewellers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. The Ponte Vecchio's two neighbouring bridges are the Ponte Santa Trinita and the Ponte alle Grazie.
Ponte Vecchio
Vasari Corridor from Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti
Damage shown shortly after liberation in August 1944 during World War II
Panoramic view of the Ponte Vecchio, from the west.
An arch bridge is a bridge with abutments at each end shaped as a curved arch. Arch bridges work by transferring the weight of the bridge and its loads partially into a horizontal thrust restrained by the abutments at either side. A viaduct may be made from a series of arches, although other more economical structures are typically used today.
A double-arch stone bridge in Nagasaki, Japan
The Roman Alcántara Bridge, Spain (built 103-106 AD)
The Anji Bridge, 6–7th century AD
Segovia Aqueduct (c. 100 AD)