Thursday, July 7, 2011

FIRENZE: DAY 1 THE LEGEND OF PONTE VECCHIO PADLOCKS

Legend has it that if you and your loved one attach a padlock to any surface of the famous bridge and then throw away the key into the Arno River below, your love will last forever. Millions of couples have come to the Ponte Vecchio for expressly this reason, to lock in their love and throw away the key for eternity.

Whether the couple actually believes that these legends work or not, they will find themselves believers for at least that moment at the Ponte Vecchio. That was true for us in this instance!  

The practice of locking padlocks to the Ponte Vecchio was probably started by a locksmith who held shop at the foot of the bridge, in an effort to raise his revenue. The Ponte Vecchio has always been a bridge for merchants from the very beginning, with tables lining the bridge instead of the chic shops that many tourists enjoy today.

These days, however, it is not advisable for tourists to come flocking to the famous bridge and become part of the famous legend. At some point, the overabundance of padlocks gave the bridge a gaudy appearance and the government had to resort to removing these excessive padlocks, and for a time continued to keep on removing them, as they kept multiplying at will.

Today, there is a hefty penalty to all who are caught locking or attaching anything to the Ponte Vecchio. These days, lovers simply come to the famous bridge and simply touch the remaining padlocks that have not been removed. Luck has kept them there, locked to the bridge, perhaps some luck will rub off on the hopeful couple as well, and keep their love alive for eternity. (I guess I should probably not be writing it post then)

(historical source)






Yes, this is illegal and there is a big sign that says so, but we did it any ways.


Although you are technically supposed to throw the keys in the river, we decided to keep ours.

2 comments:

  1. I never heard of that legend but it is so cool! That's awesome that you guys attached a lock. I think I would do it if I'm ever there again.

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  2. it is a neat experience to say the least

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