About This Location
Ponte Santa Trinita is often called Florence’s most elegant bridge. The version seen today was designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati and built between 1567 and 1569, with three smooth elliptical arches that look light even though they carry heavy stone. On the corners, the four marble figures represent the Seasons. They were added in 1608 for the wedding celebrations of Cosimo II de’ Medici and Maria Magdalena of Austria - Spring by Pietro Francavilla, Summer and Autumn by Giovanni Caccini, and Winter by Taddeo Landini. Standing here, the nearby view is all about the Arno. Upstream, Ponte Vecchio is close enough to spot, and downriver the water opens toward a wider sweep of bridges. On the north side, Via de’ Tornabuoni begins nearby with its polished storefronts, while the south side leads into the calmer Oltrarno streets. There is also a modern chapter. The bridge was destroyed in August 1944 during World War II, then carefully rebuilt in 1958 using original stones recovered from the riverbed whenever possible.