Italy. Tuscany region. Florence. The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") is a Medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. Rowers on rowing boat. The boat is propelled by the reaction forces on the oar blades, as they are pushed against the water. 9.04.93 © 1993 Didier Ruef