Visit Florence Italy

The Ponte Vecchio or Old Bridge is the oldest bridge spanning the Arno river. This is mostly due to a affection that Hitler had during the second World War for the bridge. Since the dictator at the time thought the bridge was so beautiful it was spared as the Germans fled from the invading allies. But this only covers some of the more recent history of this landmark.

Built in 1345 by Taddeo Gaddi as a replacement for a previous bridge that was in the same area this bridge definitely has seen some history over the years. The Medici family used an upper passageway to cross the bridge in order not to mingle with the crowds. But the Medici probably did not also want to mingle in with the green grocers and butchers who occupied the bridge at the time. You see in earlier times the bridge was an outdoor food market and more then likely did not smell very well. So in response to this the city kicked out the food stalls and instead had the jewelers and goldsmiths of the day move in.

As you would imagine the Ponte Vecchio is still occupied by many jewelers and gold shops. However some small shops also sell magazines and some sell gelato. The range of prices in the shops is actually varied and you can find deals here if you are diligent enough. Also since the area is also known for its leather you can be sure to find at least some of it represented on this bridge as well. You can find better prices for leather though at the San Lorenzo leather market as that is its specialty.

Many tourists just take pictures of the bridge and do not spend a whole lot of time actually walking it from end to end. I would recommend at least window shopping as this can tell you the type of wealth that exists in the area. Besides it is just fun to see what others have made. Regardless it is well worth your time to check out this bridge on your visit to Florence and the best part is that it is free! At least if you do not buy anything!

The San Lorenzo leather market is perhaps one of the largest outdoor markets in Tuscany. As you can probably guess this is the place if you are on the lookout for some very high quality inexpensive leather goods made from the region. As a owner of a leather jacket that I purchased in Florence a couple of years back I can attest that the quality is second to none. I have two leather jackets one of them was purchased through an discount leather shop here in the United States and the other one was purchased in Florence and the one I wear the most is the one purchased n Florence.

The San Lorenzo market actually spans several streets. These streets are Piazza San Lorenzo, Via del Canto de’Nelli and Via dell’Ariento as well as some other side streets as well. As you might expect the prices are not really set, haggling is kind of required and certainly expected. While some shop owners will try to take you for all they can because you are a foreigner do not let them. If you run into problems with any merchant there are plenty more on the various streets that will most likely take your money. The point here is to never settle for the price stated.

It is just unwise. I know this from experience as I did not have time to haggle and really lost out on a great deal if I had not been so gullible. This outdoor market is famous for its leather goods, hence the name, but other wise merchants are also filling in the needs of the shoppers in the area. Here you will find lots of small shops selling anything from gelato to espresso to help the wary shoppers maintain their strength as they wander the streets.

This market has a similar vibe to that you would find in some of the neighboring Middle Eastern countries. It is certainly a unique experience for many Americans. One could almost equate this to an constant outdoor fair as you would find in many of the cities in the United States. Now as with most open air markets the opening hours are not really set in stone. For most of the tourist season of March through October the market will stay open from 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening but that is really depending upon how business is going.