Ponte Vecchio in Florence to undergo first-ever conservation restoration

Florence's Ponte Vecchio, built in the mid-14th century, will undergo its first-ever conservation restoration. The project, coordinated by the city's Belle Arti and Viabilità departments, will begin with surveys and material sampling using a floating platform and scaffolding, operational for three weeks, moving from one span to another. Drone footage will be captured on October 24-25. The restoration will address chromatic alterations, algae, lichens, and vegetation; remove moisture stains; consolidate damaged stone; reconstruct missing parts; restore decorative elements; repair degraded wooden supports for shops; and finish with road surface joint sealing and protective coating. The total cost is €2 million, funded by the municipal administration. The Antinori family, through Marchesi Antinori, is supporting the restoration of the bridge's new facades. Piero Antinori, Honorary President of Marchesi Antinori, noted the family's 13th-century ties to Florence. Mayor Dario Nardella called the operation unprecedented, as previous interventions focused on structural consolidation after the 1966 flood, but never on the stone and decorations. A one-year monitoring system will also be installed.