Landmark bridge to undergo €2 million restoration.

Florence is to restore the world-famous Ponte Vecchio bridge in the first comprehensive restoration of the Italian landmark which dates to 1345.

The €2 million project to restore the bridge to its former glory will be split evenly between the city and the historic Marchesi Antinori winemakers.

The aristocratic Florentine family is contributing to the restoration through Italy's Art Bonus - a tax credit equal to 65 per cent of charitable contributions made in favour of public cultural heritage - to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its iconic Tignanello wine.

Florence mayor Dario Nardella on Thursday said that the project would "forever link two international symbols and consolidate the relationship between the great families of the city and its historical-artistic heritage."

Although the bridge has undergone regular maintenance and renovations over the years, including after the devastating 1966 flood, it has never been subject to a "restoration of this technical complexity,” the mayor told reporters.

In a statement the city said that although the bridge does not present any structural problems and is "firmly anchored", it is suffering from "ailments" related to exposure to the elements and the constant flow of the river Arno down through the ages.

• A brief history of Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence