The Ponte sulla Sieve, or Ponte Mediceo, was built in the 16th century to replace a previous bridge destroyed by a flood. Commissioned by Cosimo I, it was designed by Stefano di San Piero a Ponti and his son Tommaso, likely following a plan by Bartolomeo Ammannati. The bridge’s purpose was to connect the Republic of Florence to the territories of Mugello, Casentino, and Arezzo. Pontassieve, originally named Castel Sant’Angelo, was a military stronghold and a strategic location for the Florentines.

The bridge has been restored twice: once in 1788 by order of Grand Duke Peter Leopold of Lorraine and again after damage from World War II. It features two red brick arches resting on a robust central stone pillar, adorned with the Medici family’s coat of arms.

There is no direct connection between the Ponte Mediceo and St. Francis. However, the bridge serves as a vital link for pilgrims walking the Via di Francesco pilgrimage trail, as it connects the village of Pontassieve to San Francesco di Pelago.