The Ponte Vecchio is about to be restored comprehensively for the first time in its 677-year history. Despite being structurally sound, the bridge is showing signs of its age-old exposure to the elements and the constant flow of the River Arno.

A floating platform has been set up with the scaffolding required to carry out the necessary pre-restoration surveys, install a year-long monitoring system and take samples of the materials. The jetty is expected to remain in place for about three weeks, moving from one span to the next while being secured by two concrete cubes next to the left bank and four 70-kilogram anchors.