Ponte Vecchio Plaque of 1333
THE MARBLE WORKS OF FLORENCE
THE PLAQUE UPSTREAM
Remembrance of the Flood
The plaque marks the collapse of the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) on November 4, 1333, due to a devastating flood described as a "turbulence of many waters," which caused significant destruction across Florence. This event underscores the vulnerability of the city’s architectural landmarks to natural disasters, reflecting the challenges faced by its residents.
Following the flood, the citizens of Florence demonstrated remarkable resilience by rebuilding the bridge in 1345, restoring its function as a vital crossing point over the Arno River.
The inscription details not only the destruction but also emphasizes the restoration, describing how the new structure was enhanced to be more beautiful and adorned, symbolizing the community's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and history.
Following the flood, the citizens of Florence demonstrated remarkable resilience by rebuilding the bridge in 1345, restoring its function as a vital crossing point over the Arno River.
The inscription details not only the destruction but also emphasizes the restoration, describing how the new structure was enhanced to be more beautiful and adorned, symbolizing the community's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and history.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Translation
The Latin inscription on the plaque is a powerful reflection of the historical context of the 14th century.
It reads, "On November 4, 1333, this bridge collapsed due to a turbulence of many waters; then, in 1345, it was made new, more beautiful and adorned; this child shows briefly what happened." Latin was the lingua franca (international language) of educated discourse during the medieval period, which is why it appears on the plaque.
After the collapse of the bridge due to the flood of 1333, the title of oldest bridge was held for many centuries by the Rubaconte Bridge (now the Ponte alle Grazie), only to be reclaimed by Ponte Vecchio during the infamous "night of the bridges," when the German mines blew up the other bridges during the Liberation of Florence (August 1944), leaving Ponte Vecchio intact.
The inscription not only serves as a memorial to a pivotal moment in Florence’s history but also reflects the cultural values of the time, including resilience, pride in craftsmanship, and the importance of architectural heritage.
THE RESTORATION
Featuring Gothic lettering and a relief of a winged putto, the plaque serves as an artistic representation of the historical events it describes. The inscription outlines the bridge's collapse and subsequent reconstruction, highlighting the enhanced beauty of the new structure. Restoration efforts have preserved the plaque's original stone textures and intricate designs, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. This artifact serves as a testament to Florence’s rich cultural narrative, inviting visitors to appreciate both its artistic significance and its role in the city's enduring legacy.
