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A Self-guided Walk in Florence, Italy

By Martha Bakerjian, About.com

5 of 7

Gelato, Ponte Vecchio, and the Historic Center of Florence

florence picture, ponte vecchio

Ponte Vecchio in Florence

Martha Bakerjian
Our next stop is Gelateria La Carraia in Piazza N. Sauro by Ponte Carraia. They serve excellent homemade gelato in a variety of flavors. My cone with two flavors cost one euro. They also have another store, Gelateria La Carraia 2, at Via Benci 24/r.

Walk on the street that continues along the river until you get to the Ponte Vecchio, or old bridge, lined with shops. Built in 1345, this was the first bridge in Florence to cross the Arno River. It's also the only medieval bridge to survive the bombings of World War II.

Cross the river on the Ponte Vecchio and continue walking straight to Piazza della Signoria (slightly off to the right). This square is the heart of Florence's historic center. You'll see lots of sculptures around the square and in the loggia, including a copy of Michelangelo's David.

Next we're going to see what is probably Florence's oldest building. Exit the piazza on the north and walk up Via dei Cerchi.

Related Reading: Gelato - Italian Ice Cream

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