Love Legends

Locks that people have left near the Ponte Vecchio

Florence is #4 on the list for the most romantic cities in the world according to UCityGuides. The Renaissance ambiance of Florence gives it a romantic storybook atmosphere, especially for lovers and lovers of art. 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. 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. The padlocks have sadly contributed to some damages on the bridge, and while their removal has probably put a damper on many couples' love lives, you have to agree that the people of Florence should do their best to keep the city's harmonious beauty intact.

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. 

Sources: Firenze Albergo, UCityGuides