Seokjin Ham
Google
The bridge is often considered the most elegant and architecturally refined stone bridge spanning the Arno River, representing the height of Renaissance bridge design. Notably, it is the world’s first elliptical arch bridge, composed of three shallow elliptical arches. Originally built as a wooden bridge in 1252, it was reconstructed in stone after a flood in 1333. After collapsing again in 1557, the current version was built between 1567 and 1571, commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici and designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati. Destroyed in 1944 during World War II, the bridge was meticulously rebuilt in 1958 using the original materials and plans. At night, the softly lit arches reflected in the river create a picture-perfect, romantic scene.