Ponte Vecchio or the "old bridge" was built in 1345. The houses located on it were traditionally used commercially by vendors, butchers, blacksmiths and tanners until they were evicted by Ferdinando I because of the dirt and evil smell they caused. The houses were converted into workshops and ateliers as the city's most known goldsmiths moved in. Until this day jewellry of all kinds is sold on the Ponte Vecchio.

Vasari's corridor, named after Giorgio Vasari, the architect of the Medici, joins the Palazzo Pitti with the Palazzo Vecchio. This allowed members of the family to move freely between the residences without having to mingle with the "common people". The corridor which is located on the eastern side of the bridge is decorated by numerous self portraits of famous artists such as Rubens and Rembrandt.

The Ponte Vecchio is especially beautiful when the setting sun dips it in a warm, golden light.