Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio (English: Old Bridge) is a famous bridge in Florence, spanning the Arno River.
==History==
===Construction===
This famous bridge spans the Arno at its narrowest point. The original version was presumably constructed by the Romans, but records of its existence did not appear until 996.Assassin's Creed II – Database: Ponte VecchioAssassin's Creed: Identity – Database: Ponte Vecchio
Two previous incarnations of the bridge were swept away in floods before the present structure was built in 1345, with a tower being constructed at the southeast corner to defend it. Consisting of three segmental arches, the bridge had shops lining the central passageway, which was a common feature during the Renaissance.
When the Medici family bought the Palazzo Pitti in 1549, the interior of the bridge's upper levels was redesigned. The new plans included a crossing the bridge, serving as a link in a series of tunnels built by the Medici so they could travel from the Palazzo Pitti to the Palazzo della Signoria undetected.Assassin's Creed II – Database: Oltrarno District
===Auditore-Pazzi confrontation===
In 1476, the bridge was the site of a large street fight between the friends of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, and of Vieri de' Pazzi, who had recently developed a strong rivalry over the issues involving their fathers.Assassin's Creed II – Boys Will Be Boys
Two years later, Ezio met with the ruler of Florence, Lorenzo de' Medici, on the bridge to discuss the Pazzi conspiracy.Assassin's Creed II – Four to the Floor
===Bonfire of the Vanities===
In 1498, the bridge was blockaded by the Condottiero, one of the lieutenants of Girolamo Savonarola, who demanded payment for passage. However, the Condottiero was later killed by the Assassin Ezio Auditore.Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Arch Nemesis
==Trivia==
*In Assassin's Creed: Identity, the Ponte Vecchio can be seen in Florence, though it can't be visited.
==Gallery==
ACII DB Ponte Vecchio.png|Database image of Ponte Vecchio in Assassin's Creed II
ACID Ponte Vecchio Concept.jpg|Database image of Ponte Vecchio in Assassin's Creed: Identity
Arch Nemesis 2.png|Ezio assassinating the condottiero on the Ponte Vecchio
Arch Nemesis 4.png|Paola and La Volpe lead the citizens walking on the Ponte Vecchio after Ezio killed the condottiero
==Appearances==
*Assassin's Creed II 
**Bonfire of the Vanities
*Assassin's Creed: Identity
==References==
Category:Bridges
Category:Landmarks in Florence
zh:老桥