The ten minute uphill walk will be rewarded with a splendid photo opp of Florence from the massive esplanade, somewhat sullied by tacky souvenir stands. On your way, depending on the time or year, you may want to stop for a visit at the Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose), at Viale Giuseppe Poggi 2. Admission is free.

Spanning the Arno River at its narrowest point, the “old bridge” is as storied as it is picturesque (and overrun with crowds). First documented in the late 10th century, the bridge was destroyed by flooding in 1177, 1333 and narrowly avoided being swept away during the flood of 1966. The current structure dates from 1345. Ponte Vecchio was the sole...