The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy. It is noted for its shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. It was Hitler himself who rescued The Ponte Vecchio of Florence from being destroyed during the World War II. He thought it was too beautiful to be destroyed.