Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge connects the commercial area of the Rialto market with the streets that lead to Piazza San Marco, at a historic crossing point of the Grand Canal. At first it was a simple pontoon bridge, then a wooden bridge was thrown and finally, in 1588, this single-span stone bridge that until the 19th century was the only pedestrian connection between the two banks of the Grand Canal. The competition announced by the Republic of Venice at the beginning of the 16th century for the construction of the new bridge became a historic case because despite the illustrious architects participating including Sansovino, Palladio, Vignola, Scamozzi and perhaps even Michelangelo, the Venetian Antonio Da Ponte prevailed. 48 meters long, 22 meters wide and up to 7.50 meters high, it is supported by thousands of piles driven into the ground at the foundations of the ends. Inside, three pedestrian paths run between two rows of historic shops.
20 minutes•Entrée libre•Voir sur la carte