The
Bridges of Venice
Rialto Bridge The area around the bridge is
really the “heart” of Venice with the Grand Canal running through it.
The bridge itself is a familiar landmark, but it’s much nicer to look at
than to actually be on. Although you get a nice view of the canal, the
bridge is often so packed that it’s difficult to walk over.
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most well-known of the three bridges
spanning the Grand Canal (The others are Scalzi and Accademia
Bridges). It is located in the middle of the city, the
oldest part, where the original
mud banks would have been. For much of the history of the city, this was
the only bridge across the Grand Canal.
The Rialto Bridge's 7.5-meter (24-foot) arch was designed to allow
passage of galleys, and the massive structure was built on some 12,000
wooden pilings that still support the bridge more than 400 years later.
There has been a bridge across the Grand Canal at
this point since the 1100s, but this stone bridge was completed in 1591.
The arches on each side actually contain cramped shop units selling
accessories, souvenirs and crafts, but when the shops are open, the
bridge is more difficult to cross. There is a market on the east side of
the Rialto Bridge which is pleasant to walk around, also. This is a sight
in Venice that you have to see, and when you’re standing on the bridge
you do feel part of the history of the place. Just try not to let the
crowds of people put you off! Don’t worry to much about the best way to
get to the bridge as you’ll find little signs on many of the nearby
street corners pointing the way.
We found our way here very easily from San Marco. From the Piazza
San Marco, simply follow the signs to "Rialto." (Just head for the clock
tower in San Marco Square, cut through the arched passage, and follow
the upscale shopping streets known as the Mercerie until you reach the
Grand Canal, then turn right and walk two blocks to the bridge.)
Venice, the "City of
Canals," is also called the "City of Bridges" because of
the numerous spans that crisscross its waterways. While
many of Venice's 400+ bridges are nondescript and
practical, there are several that embody the beauty and
the history of this fascinating city. Here are the
bridges to seek out on a trip to Venice... especially if
your are a photographer or an artist.
Rialto Bridge pedestrians on outer walkway get a great view of the Grand Canal.
The bridge has three walkways: two along the outer balustrades, and a wider central walkway leading between two rows of small shops that sell jewelry, linens, Murano glass, and other items for the tourist trade. (Warning: The bridge consists primarily of steps, making it a challenge for tourists with strollers or wheelchairs.)
The area around Rialto Bridge is one of the busiest in Venice. It is always crowded except in the mornings. Surrounding the Rialto area are vegetable and fish markets and outdoor cafes. The wider central walkway in the center of the bridge are crammed with shops that sell souvenirs.
We stopped for lunch at this outdoor cafe and
admired our souvenirs purchased on the Rialto Bridge.... then, we got
lost... really--LOST! More later... Scalzi
Bridge
If arriving in Venice by train, this bridge over the Grand Canal this is probably the first bridge you'll see. It is 131 feet long and its 23-foot height provides an amazing view of the places down the Grand Canal. It was named after the nearby monastery of the bare-footed monks and was built in 1934, made of Istrian (Croatia) stone to replace a former iron bridge.
The Accademia Bridge
Another of the three bridges over Grand Canal, Ponte dell Accademia, is a wooden arch-shaped bridge. It provides you with a great view of the Grand Canal and buildings on both sides. This bridge is in the Dorsoduro area near the Accademia, the most important Art Gallery in Venice.
The Accademia Bridge links the Dorsoduro area with the San Marco area. This wooden bridge was built in 1930 to replace a 19th Century metal bridge, and was the last of the three bridges across the Grand Canal to be put in place. The structure we see today was supposed to only be temporary but has just been left as it is. There is a lovely view to be seen looking out to the church, Santa Maria della Salute.
The Accademia Gallery is
directly in front of the bridge and the Campo Morosini is the square on
the San Marco section that leads to the bridge.
PONTI dei PUGNI
Originally the bridge was built without balustrades or railings, and was the site of ritual battles between the Castellani and Nicolotti. The bridge footpath is inset with marble footprints marking the starting positions. This is where fights took place and the loser ended up in the canal! These massed brawls took place between September and Christmas, and obeyed a well-defined etiquette, the aim of which was to gain possession of the bridge. The fatalities were commonplace, therefore in 1705 the punch-ups were finally banned, and less dangerous forms of competition, such as regattas, were encouraged instead. The bridge is in the Dorsoduro area.
Ponte delle Tette
And-- if you get off the "beaten Path.." in the San Polo area you might bump into the notorious Ponte delle Tette. This is the old "red light" district of Venice, where prostitutes displayed their "attributes" at the windows overlooking this "Bridge of Breasts" as it was known.
During this walk, you'll see some of the oldest houses in Venice, quaint picturesque bridges and palaces, an old prison for tax evaders and learn about how life used to be in Venice and how life is today for the modern day Venetians.
Ponte dei Tre Archi
Often painted by the artists, this unusual bridge with three arches, going back to 1688, spans Cannaregio at the place where this one joined the lagoon. It is the work of engineer Andrea Tirali, called Tiranno ("the tyrant") by its employees.
Bridges without Parapets
This bridge without parapet is located over a small canal in the Cannareio area. It is one of only two in Venice. The other on the right is located in Torcello. Walking from the boating landing stage, along the Fondamenta dei Borgognoni, to the main square, along Torcello's only navigable canal you will see this bridge without parapet.
Rialto
Bridge – not
accessible. But it is possible to cross the Grand Canal using the vaporetti
(public boats). The line nr 34 stops on the both sides of the Grand Canal
and it's accessible for 2 wheelchairs at a time. Ponte dei Pugni
- This bridge is one of the few bridges in Venice
equipped with a ramp for wheelchairs. It's a challenging slope and an able-bodied
companion would be welcomed. Cross over the bridge and you'll be in the Old Jewish
Ghetto. This area is also accessible.
