TOP 5 Bridges in Venice

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Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the four oldest bridges in Venice (built in the 16th century). It is one of the most interesting monuments to see in Venice; moreover, it is the central point of both the city and the Grand Canal. This bridge was built between 1588 and 1591, taking only 3 years to complete.

Fist Bridge

Ponte dei Pugni, or Bridge of the Fists, is another of Venice’s best known bridges. This is because it was the place where, for years, two rival gangs clashed, the Nicolotti and Castellani, fighting with fists. Moreover, tradition has it that the winners threw the losers into the water, an action facilitated by the fact that, until recently, the bridge had no railing.

Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most important bridges in Venice. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century and its name comes from the sighs heard from those who crossed the bridge and were about to be imprisoned. This theory was popularized by Lord Byron, who mentioned it throughout some of his most famous writings that also popularized this bridge.

Barefoot Bridge

The Ponte degli Scalzi (Bridge of the Barefoot) is one of the four bridges in Venice that cross the Grand Canal. It was designed by Eugenio Miozzi and completed in 1934 as a replacement for an Austrian iron bridge (all the iron bridges in Venice had been built by Austrians). The idea was to build something homegrown and make clear evidence of Italy’s rise.

Academy Bridge

Ponte dell’Accademia connects the San Marco district with Dorsoduro, where the Accademia Gallery is located. The bridge is known for offering the best views of Venice, as you can look out over the Grand Canal in both directions from a relatively high point. Best of all, you will notice a great contrast compared to the other marble bridges in Venice, as this one was built of wood.

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