Florence's iconic 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio bridge that survived Nazi ... trends now
One of Italy's most well-known bridges that has survived allied bombs, devastating floods and 700 years of visitors is set for a makeover.
With the Arno river flowing below, the Ponte Vecchio in Florence is a medieval crossing famed for its stunning arches and the shops - today mostly occupied by jewellers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers - built along its top.
It was the only bridge in Florence that was spared destruction during the Second World War, and is built on the site of an even more ancient Roman bridge.
Thousands walk over the 100-foot bridge every day, with the millions of tourists who flock to Florence regularly stopping to take selfies.
It is little surprise then that the ancient river crossing is in need of some tender loving care, which will be carried out without the city closing the bridge.
Ponte Vecchio - one of Italy 's most well-known bridges that has survived allied bombs, devastating floods and 700 years of visitors - is set for a makeover
In a £2 million project starting this autumn and lasting until 2026, its arches, paving stones, parapets and wing walls will be restored to their original grandeur.
Ponte Vecchio's cracks will be filled in, moss and weeds will be removed, and its grout will be replaced, according to The Times.
Two roman bridges in the same spot - which crosses the Arno at its narrowest point in Florence - were swept away by floods.
The structure as it is known today was completed in 1345, with its shops first occupied by butchers, tanners, and farmers.
Such merchants were dismissed in 1565 by Cosimo I de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany at the time, in favour of jewellers and goldsmiths.
Along with the domed roof of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the bridge is one of Florence's most famous icons, admired by writers and artists over hundreds of years.
DH Lawrence set his 1923 poem 'Bat' on Ponte Vecchio, and Italian composer Giacomo Puccini featured the structure in
