Florence to begin major restoration of Ponte Vecchio pillars

Florence is preparing for a significant conservation project on Ponte Vecchio, the city’s oldest and most iconic bridge, with work on its stone pillars scheduled to begin this summer.

According to La Nazione , the intervention will focus on the massive stone supports that have stood in the Arno for around 700 years. The works are expected to last approximately four months and could begin in May 2026, with completion forecast by the end of the summer.

Cleaning and structural consolidation

The project involves the cleaning of stone surfaces, the removal of deteriorated plaster and the application of new mortar compatible with the original materials. Specialists will also address cracks, small detachments and degraded joints between the stones, using restoration techniques designed to respect the bridge’s historic fabric.

The pillars date back to 1345, when Ponte Vecchio was rebuilt following a flood. Over the centuries they have withstood repeated flooding, including the major 1966 Arno flood, and remain central to the bridge’s structural stability.

A complex river operation

One of the most delicate aspects of the intervention will be the logistics. Scaffolding will not be erected from the bridge itself but from the river, using a system that includes a tugboat to position equipment and allow workers to operate directly around the pillars.

The construction site will be set up along the riverbanks and in the Arno, reducing the impact on the shops and pedestrian flow across the bridge. Ponte Vecchio, which is lined with jewellery shops and crossed daily by thousands of residents and visitors, is expected to remain open during the works.

The city councillor for public works described the operation as an important step for Florence’s most recognisable monument and highlighted the technical challenges of working in the river environment .

Preserving a symbol of Florence

Beyond its architectural value, Ponte Vecchio is a symbol of Florence and one of Italy’s most photographed landmarks. Any intervention on the bridge requires careful coordination between the municipality, restoration experts and heritage authorities.

The summer works are part of broader efforts to monitor and preserve historic infrastructure in Florence, where many structures date back to the medieval and Renaissance periods.

Further details on traffic or temporary restrictions along the riverbanks are expected to be announced closer to the start of the construction site.

(Cover photo by Daniel Seßler via Unsplash)

❤️ Support Florence Daily News

If you liked this article, please consider supporting Florence Daily News.

We are an independent news site, free from paywalls and intrusive ads, committed to providing clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.

Your support — whether a one-time gift or a regular contribution — helps us stay independent and keep telling the stories that matter.

Donate securely via Stripe below.