The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is the most famous bridge in Venice, which is one of the symbols of the city.
This majestic architectural bridge is one of the main attractions of the Residence.
The Rialto Bridge is located in the heart of Venice and spans the famous Grand Canal (Canal Grande).
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four Grand Canal bridges.
The first pontoon bridge at this place, in the narrowest part of the canal, was built in 1173 by the architect Nicolo Barattiero. Then the bridge was called "Ponte della Moneta" (Coin Bridge, Ponte della Moneta), because there was a mint nearby, and another theory says that the name comes from the fact that the passage over the bridge was paid.
The pontoon bridge was replaced in 1255 by a wooden drawbridge, which was named "Rialto", as the sign of the nearby Rialto market increased.
In the first half of the 15th century, two rows of shops were built on the sides of the bridge; the income from the rent of which, collected by the State Treasury, went to the maintenance of the bridge.
In 1310, the bridge was damaged during the retreat of the rebels led by Bahamonte Tiepolo. In 1444, the bridge collapsed under the weight of a crowd gathered to see the procession of the Marquis of Ferrara's bride.
Since 1514, the construction of the current stone bridge was started according to the project of Giovanni Giocondo. However, in 1524 the bridge collapsed. During the tender of 1587 for the construction of the bridge, the project of architect Antonio da Ponte won, because, unlike other participants, he proposed to build a one-arch bridge.
The construction of the bridge was completed in 1591 with the help of architects Antonio and Tommaso Contina, who were the nephews of Antonio da Ponte, the sons of his son-in-law Bernardino Contina.
The Rialto remained the only bridge over the Grand Canal until 1854, when the Bridge of the Academy (Ponte dell'Accademia) was built.
At the time of construction, the architecture of the Rialto Bridge was so daring that the bridge quickly became one of the architectural icons and the main tourist attractions of Venice.
The Rialto Bridge rests on 12 thousand piles driven into the bottom of the canal.
The bridge has one powerful arch with a length of 28 meters, with a maximum height in the center equal to 7.5 meters; the total length of the bridge is 48 meters.
The arch of the bridge is decorated with sculptures and architectural railings.
There are benches on the bridge, separated in the center by two powerful arches. Two inclined ramps connect in the center. Between the rows of shops there are stairs leading to the center of the bridge, starting at the edges of the bridge. The shops sell souvenirs, leather and jewelry.
The Rialto Bridge offers beautiful views of the Grand Canal, as well as the embankments and buildings along the canal, including the Palazzo dei Camerlingi (Palazzo dei Camerlenghi).
P.S. Next to the bridge is the shopping center "T Fondaco", which has a panoramic terrace "T Fondaco dei Tedeschi" with spectacular views of the canal and part of Venice.
Access to the terrace is free, but the place must be booked in advance online on the website, or directly when visiting the shopping center, if there are free seats.
Website: dfs.com/it/venice.
Coordinates of the Rialto Bridge: 45°26'17.0"N 12°20'09.0"E (45.438056, 12.335833).
All accommodation facilities in Venice, including in the historical center and near the canals, can be viewed and booked here
