The present Ponte Santa Trinita is an exact reconstruction of the original bridge, which had stood since 1570. The Oltrarno includes many antique, silver, and woodcarving shops, but its most famous attraction is the Pitti Palace. It now displays an excellent collection of paintings. The Boboli Gardens, behind the palace, are among the most beautiful gardens in Italy. Modern apartment buildings stand in Florence's suburbs, which have developed since the 1950's.
Industry is concentrated north of the city.
Almost all Florentines are Roman Catholic. The language spoken by the medieval Florentines became the basis of modern Italian. Most of the families in the oldest part of the city live in old stone buildings that lack central heating. Many of the families in the suburbs make their homes in modern apartment buildings. Florentines, like most Italians, traditionally eat their largest meal at lunchtime.