For my final B&W photo from Italy, it was a toss up between Venice and Florence. The oldest and most famous bridge in Florence won the toss. Ponte Vecchio is the only surviving bridge from Florence’s medieval days, its other bridges having been blitzed in World War II. Legend has it that Hitler really took such a liking to this particular bridge, that he ordered it should be spared. The original wooden bridge which had crossed the Arno River at this spot since Roman times, was destroyed by flood in 1117. The replacement bridge, with three arches constructed in stone, was demolished in the terrible flood of November 1333, when according to the chronicles of Giovanni Villani, everything but the two central piers was swept away when huge logs in the rushing water became clogged around it, allowing the water to build and “leap over the arches.” It was rebuilt in 1345.
Ponte Vecchio, meaning ‘The Old Bridge’, was initially home to butchers’ shops, but in the 16th century, because the influential Medici family who used the corridor on the second level as a pathway across the river, decided the smell of raw meat was too nauseating, the meat was replaced with something much less offensive to the nostrils; gold, silver and jewels. Today it’s a major tourist attraction, and is lined with jewellers, art dealers and souvenir shops.
Thanks Issy of Isadora Art and Photography for nominating me to take part in the 5 Day B&W Photo Challenge.
There are only two rules for this challenge:
1. On 5 consecutive days, create a post using either a past or recent photo in B&W.
2. Each day invite another blog friend to join in the fun.
My longtime South African blog friend Michelle, The Happy Hugger, has kindly volunteered to do the challenge. Her blog is about “Life, love, happiness and most of all kindness,” and I know she’d love to have you visit.
Huh… that’s one thing me and Hitler could agree on. 🙂 Thanks for the memory nudge
Hehehe. Very true, Rommel. Who would have thought we could ever agree with Hitler about anything. 😕
Can you imagine how much wealth is on that bridge? They’d be in sorry shape if another flood came along. It doesn’t sound like they happen very often, though.
Wow! I never thought of that, Marsha. You’re so right, but these days there are insurance policies. 🙂
That’s true, and probably quite a bit of warning – like lots of rain. But I’ve been there, and the bridge is like a city. Our whole downtown isn’t that big! Well, that might be a little of an exaggeration, but maybe not. The bridge knocked my socks off when I saw it.
Imagining the blue of the sky is better than seeing it!
Sometimes one has to just imagine it. 🙂
It’s such a good looking bridge, it’d look good in a sack, Ad! But it looks superb in B & W. Great shot 🙂
Thanks so much, Jo. I do believe you’re right. Hubby sometimes says that to me. He’s so adorable. 😀 xx
very nice b&w photo of the ponte vecchio and the history, too. i enjoyed my visit there but didn’t buy anything 🙂 congratulations on finishing your 5-day b&w challenge. great job!!! 🙂
Thanks, Lola. I also didn’t buy anything there, but it was fun looking in the
windows. 🙂
Amazing
Thanks so much, Marylou. 🙂
Great choice!
Thank you. 🙂
osservo che il tuo viaggio in bianco e nero hai voluto compierlo nella mia bella Italia, un motivo inpiù per apprezzarti
smakkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
I couldn’t think of a more beautiful country for the B&W challenge, Annalisa. 🙂 xx
Great one , very lucky to preserve a old bridge from 1345. Very historical value.
Thanks so much, Jake. 🙂
Very nice light!
Thank you. 🙂
Great shot! And I’ll take jewellers and art shops any time over butcher shops.
Me too. 🙂
A wonderful place- great choice! 🙂
Thanks you. 🙂
I have enjoyed your black and white series. You don’t often post using this format and I think you should do so more. You definitely have the ‘eye’ for an image that translates well into monotone.
Jude xx
Thanks so much, Jude. xx
You are very welcome Sylvia 🙂
Wonderful and well done on completing the challenge Sylvia! 🙂
Thanks so much, Adrian. 🙂
Beautifully render this scene in B&W.
Thanks, YC. 🙂
One very famous bridge, I haven’t been though – so much exciting world to see 🙂
Very true, Gilly. At least on WordPress, we get to see more of the world than we normally would. 🙂
Beautiful scene!
Thanks, Mary. 🙂
Love the refection in the water. a subtle addition ot this beautiful black and white. Happy weekend Sylvia!
Thanks, so much, Sue. You too. 🙂
Great the days B&W challenge Sylvia, beautiful photo!
Thanks so much, DellaAnna. 🙂
Very informative history you’ve added to the photo for us, Sylvia. The bridge looks old world in B & W and is beautifully captured. I’ve enjoyed the tour through Italy.
Thank you again for participating and taking us on board one of your past vacation.
😄😄😘
My pleasure, Issy. I’m so happy that you enjoyed my photos. 🙂 xx
Loved your history lesson!
Haha. Thanks, Sue. 🙂
I like the B&W… I remember when I was standing in that same spot many years ago I couldn’t believe I was really there… it really is a magical sight… and I was served the most expensive cup of coffee I ever had in the cafe at the other side!
Thanks, Roslyn. Yes, it is a magical sight. I hope it was a good cup of coffee for the extortionate price. 🙂
Lovely scene which looks excellent in B&W.
Thanks, Phil. 🙂
What a glorious bridge, so glad Hitler thought to save it! Really enjoyed your B&W series Sylvia, beautiful photos. Have a lovely weekend 🙂 xx
Thanks, dear Sherri. Yes I’m happy it was spared so I could see it. 🙂 xx
BW is still something I have to embrace.
Hehehe. You’re fine just as you are, Mona. Don’t change a thing. 🙂
Lovely photo of a favorite place on earth. Very nice. Will check out your friend’s blog.
Thanks, Ruth. 🙂
I like your choice – and something very cool about all the soft plant life leading up to the harder bridge – even a bit of reflection in the water too.
and how cool to hear the story of the stinky meat.
Thanks, Yvette. Glad you enjoyed the bit of history too. 🙂
🙂
Oh, nearly forgot, lovely photo too, really caught the attention.
Thanks so much. 🙂
Good, we South Africans are friendly…hehe.
Absolutely, we are. Always up for a challenge. 🙂
Beautiful photo, Sylvia. You did an excellent job with this five day challenge! Well done!
Thanks so much, Jill. 🙂
A beautiful bridge in B&W, color, and whatever contrast. Then again, I’m a bit biased about Italy.
Of course you are! Glad you approve, Frank. 🙂