8 beautiful and historic bridges in Florence you must see

Wandering the stone-paved streets and spacious piazzas of Florence (Firenze) will eventually lead you to the Arno River, flowing through the middle of town. This emblematic Renaissance city owes its history of commerce and wealth to the Arno, with five major bridges in Florence marking the river's course within the UNESCO-listed historic center.

Use this list to see how many bridges in Florence and amazing Florentine vantage points you can find, then check out the historic churches, palazzos, caffès, museums, and fashion boutiques nearby.

Florence's best bridges at a glance

Best for Instagram and photo ops: Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinità

Best for nearby sightseeing: Ponte Vecchio and Ponte alla Carraia

Best for watching sunsets: Ponte Santa Trinità and Ponte alla Grazie

1. Ponte Amerigo Vespucci

The Ponte Amerigo Vespucci begins the series of bridges along the Arno River (from west to east) in the historic center of Florence. While nondescript in appearance, this modern bridge rebuilt in the 1950s offers picturesque views of the Arno and the more famous bridges ahead.

The bridge is named after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who sailed to the New World in the late 15th century and was the namesake for North and South America.

Things to do nearby

• Visit the Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti, the church that Amerigo Vespucci and his family attended.
• Relax at the Giardino Henry Dunant, a park with tree-shaded benches and parts of the old city walls.

Address

Ponte Amerigo Vespucci, 50123 Firenze

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

2. Ponte alla Carraia

The Ponte alla Carraia is by many accounts one of the most ancient Florentine bridges — a bridge that has stood in its location since at least 1218, undergoing renovation and reconstruction after several instances of floods and wartime conflicts. The current structure dates from 1951 and is a construction replicating the original bridge destroyed during World War II.

This elegant bridge features curved arches adorned with escutcheons. Its reflection in the Arno River, with riverside buildings in the background, makes for a great photo opportunity on a sunny day.

Things to do nearby

• Step inside the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the most exquisite churches in Florence.
• Admire modern and contemporary Italian art at the Museo Novecento (Piazza di Santa Maria Novella).
• Visit the Museo HZERO, a miniature train museum with model railway exhibits kids will love.

Address

Ponte alla Carraia, 50125 Firenze

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

3. Ponte Santa Trinità

Soak up the glorious views and Renaissance history of Florence as you stroll across the Ponte Santa Trinità. Look eastward for a breathtaking vista of the Ponte Vecchio, and enjoy gorgeous sunsets to the west.

Although the original bridge constructed in 1569 for Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici was destroyed during World War II, its original stones were retrieved from the Arno and repurposed along statues of the Four Seasons decorating each corner of the bridge.

Things to do nearby

• Walk about 10 minutes to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, famous for Brunelleschi's dome.
• Visit the Basilica di Santa Trinità on the Piazza di Santa Trinità to see frescoes featuring Saint Francis.

Address

Ponte Santa Trinità, 50100 Firenze

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Ponte Vecchio

The most famous bridge in Florence provides the perfect backdrop for photo opportunities. It's no wonder that taking engagement or anniversary pictures at the Ponte Vecchio is one of the most romantic things to do in Florence.

Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence and continues to delight visitors with its medieval charm. Bright tile-roofed buildings lining each side of the pedestrian-only stone bridge house jewelry boutiques and antique shops.

Things to do nearby

• Visit the Palazzo Vecchio, a medieval fortress with Renaissance interiors and paintings by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
• Tour the Palazzo Pitti, which houses five museums, and the Boboli Gardens, Italian-style gardens with fountains and sculptures.

Address

Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

5. Ponte alle Grazie

Like most of the other oldest bridges in Florence (except the Ponte Vecchio), the Ponte alle Grazie was rebuilt in the 1950s to replicate the original monument destroyed by Nazi bombs.

This arched stone bridge once had houses and shops perched on top of it during the medieval period. Today, however, no buildings block the sweeping river views.

Things to do nearby

• Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, one of the must-see landmarks in Florence, featuring artworks by Donatello and Brunelleschi.
• See Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery, including paintings by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian.

Address

Ponte alle Grazie, 50125 Firenze

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

6. Ponte San Niccolò

Located outside the UNESCO-designated historic center, the modern Ponte San Niccolò completes the series of bridges within Florence.

Take a short walk from the Ponte San Niccolò to the Torre di San Niccolò and Via San Niccolò. This charming neighborhood of gardens and narrow stone-paved streets brims with art studios and galleries, artisan workshops, small local restaurants, and wine bars. Stop for a meal at a traditional osteria to savor authentic Tuscan cuisine and experience the local way of life.

Things to do nearby

• Check out UNESCO World Heritage-listed 14th-century towers: Torre di San Niccolò (great views, open in summer) and Torre della Zecca.
• Visit the Museo Bardini to admire ceramics, paintings, sculptures, coins, armor, and antique furniture.

Address

Ponte San Niccolò, Florence

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

7. Ponte Romito

This evocative site is tucked away in the Tuscan province of Arezzo. Some historians believe that Leonardo da Vinci used the Ponte Romito as a model for the backdrop of his famous "Mona Lisa" painting. Only one arch remains of the Ponte Romito today. However, during Leonardo's time, the bridge had four arches, the same number as the bridge depicted in the "Mona Lisa."

Things to do nearby

• Take a day trip to the Castello di Montozzi, an estate with a 17th-century palazzo, vineyards, and a park in the Tuscan countryside.
• Discover the Chiesa di Santo Stefano Monastero Piccole Sorelle, a tiny baroque church in Castiglion Ubertini.

Address

Romito Bridge, 2 via ponte Romito, 52019 Pergine Valdarno

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

8. Ponte Buriano

The Ponte Buriano in Tuscany will astound you with its beauty and fascinating history. A bridge has stood here since the first century B.C., part of a road from Rome to the ancient town of Florentia (today's city of Florence).

No remnants of the original Roman bridge exist, but this Romanesque monument was constructed in the 13th century. The stone bridge is a vision of perfection in a rustic setting, featuring six arches.

Things to do nearby

• Enjoy a nature walk in the Riserva Naturale Ponte a Buriano e Penna, prized for its pristine environment and biodiversity.
• Admire the Mosaico di Andreina art project created by hundreds of artists, featuring outdoor mosaic art installations.

Address

Ponte Buriano, 52100 Arezzo, Province of Arezzo

Opening hours

Open 24 hours