Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence. It opened in 1345 and its been a bustling shopping area ever since. Fishmongers, tanners, and butchers have had shops here since the 13th century. Today, it is still a lively spot for tourists to enjoy the views and to visit the local shops. Remarkably, the bridge managed to survive World War II. When all the other bridges were bombed and destroyed to slow the advancing allied forces, Ponte Vecchio remained intact. It is believed that Adolf Hitler found the bridge too beautiful to destroy.

Starting today, you can add Ponte Vecchio to your Duckwyn Passport.

The Empire State Building was a marvel built in the 1930's. It was designed, planned, and built in just 20 months and would be the tallest building in world until the World Trade Center's North Tower surpassed it in 1970. 

The Empire State Building was originally going to have just 50 stories but in the end it soared to 102. In the late 1920's, the Chrysler Building was being constructed, and its designers wanted it to surpass the height of the planned Empire State Building. Both would try to surpass each other with taller designs but in the end, the Empire State Building would win out. It's final height is about 200 feet taller than the Chrysler Building.

Today, you can visit the 86th and 102nd floors to get 360 degree views of New York city. You can purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid the lines. While visiting, be sure to use your Duckwyn app to add your stamp.

Castello Sforzesco in Milan has evolved over the years. It was built in 1450 by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, as his residence. When he died, his son Galeazzo Maria continued its construction. In the late 1400’s, Ludovico Sforza became Lord of Milan and hired many artists including Leonardo da Vinci to decorate the castle. Leonardo’s work can seen on the ceiling of the Sala delle Asse.

When the Spanish controlled Milan in the 1500’s, they converted the castle to a citadel. They modernized the castle fortress by changing its design and extending the walls.

In the early 1900’s, when Italy became unified, the castle was no longer used by the military. Instead, it was used by the city. The government of Milan continued the restoration work. The Via Dante was built to connect the castle to the Duomo.

Today, the castle has become a collection of museums. These museums include the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Egyptian Museum, the Architectural Museum of Milan, Applied Arts Collection, the Antique Furniture & Wooden Sculpture Museum, the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, the Achille Bertarelli Print Collection, and the Museum of Rondanini Pietà.

Starting today, you can visit Castello Sforzesco and use your Duckwyn Passport to add the stamp to your collection.

Sacré-Coeur was built as a symbol of penance for years of bloody battles between the France and Germany, and the Vatican. Ironically, the basilica was completed in 1914, the same year that World War I would begin. 

The basilica stands on top of the highest point in Paris at the summit of Montmarte. The stunning view of the city is complemented by the equally beautiful, white stoned church. Sacré-Coeur is located away from many of the other tourist attractions but if you have the time, it's worth the Metro ride over to explore this part of Paris.

Sacré-Coeur is the second most visited monument in Paris so it can get busy. If you walk through the park below, be warned that there are usually very aggressive souvenir sellers looking for an opportunity to slap a bracelet on your wrist and then follow you around until you pay them. This can detract from the park a bit but if you're aware of this ahead of time, you can avoid these situations and still enjoy your experience.

Sacré-Coeur is now included in your Duckwyn passport. If you don't have one yet, get yours for free while we're still in beta.