8 Prominent Bridges in Venice, Italy

You don't suppose anyone would travel to a place to see the bridges, do you? More so, if the place in question is Venice. Venice in Italy is a place that could be described with a lot of adjectives and attributes. “City of Canals” and “Floating City” are just a couple of them. Those who have been to the city would be eloquent about it. A very popular tourist destination in the whole of Europe, Venice stands out with beautiful mini islands. And the boat trips to and around these islands hold the limelight. Colourful buildings, classical facades, numerable bridges and water fountain make the views everywhere picturesque. “City of Bridges” is another tag given to Venice.

Bridges in Venice hold an important place when we describe the city. Can you think of a place where there are hundreds of canals and over three hundred bridges? Well, that's the number of bridges in Venice. Many of them are small or narrow while many are wide and long. Many are famous, and many of them are lesser-known.

Given the number of bridges in Venice, it is not practical to mention each of them. But with the help of Aurelia Rampin who is a hobby photographer in Italy, let us glance at the prominent bridges in Venice.

Ponte di Rialto

Bridges are for crossing over. But here is one bridge that you would stand and admire. Built by Antonio da Ponte in 1591, Rialto Bridge still exudes photogenic charisma. No wonder, this is one of the oldest and most iconic bridges across the Grand Canal in Venice. As a tourist in the city, this is one of the spots you don't miss visiting. Being a famous crowd-puller the wide corridor of the bridge is beelined with shops. Well-known Rialto fish and food markets nearby make sure the bridge is always teeming with people.

Ponte dell'Accademia

Initially, constructed in the middle of the 19^th century and then rebuilt in 1930 and again in 1985. Yet another bridge that is across the Grand Canal. Pedestrians walk across from San Marco to the Dorsoduro neighbourhood over the bridge. Crossing one of the top museums, the Galleria dell Accademia in Venice meant, the bridge began to be called The Ponte dell'Accademia. The steel bridge attracts lovers to attach padlocks to its handrails to pledge their love!

Ponte degli Scalzi

Another elegant bridge across the Grand Canal. Situated close to Santa Lucia railway station, the bridge provides immediate access to people to get across to Cannaregio and Santa Croce. Initially built in 1858, the bridge bears the name of “Chiesa degli Scalzi”, after a nearby church. Proximity to the railway station gives it another name “Train Station Bridge”. The singular arch bridge as seen today was rebuilt in 1934.

Ponte della Costituzione

The fourth and the newest bridge over the Grand Canal is The Ponte della Costituzione. 60th anniversary of the Italian constitution and the opening of the bridge befell in 2008. Hence the name, “Ponte della Costituzione” was given to the bridge.

Designed by Santiago Calatrava it is an arched bridge that provides a panoramic view of the Grand Canal. It connects the railway station on the north with the Piazzale Roma on the south side of the Grand Canal.

Despite the design and efficiency, the bridge received multiple criticisms from many corners. The controversial bridge is criticized over lack of wheelchair access, lack of necessity and its modernist-minimalist style.

Ponte dei Sospiri

Also known as Bridge of Sighs. Contrastingly the canal beneath the bridge is a popular spot among lovers to kiss each other. Sigh! Beneath the romantic sentiments, there is a grey shade attached to the bridge in the past. The footbridge connects the Doge's Palace with buildings across including a prison in Venice. And it is said that prisoners walking across the bridge to the prison get a final but obscured view of the city before being executed. Hence the name “Bridge of Sighs”.  The walled bridge prevents the general public to view the prisoners. The enclosed arched bridge was built in 1600. Interestingly many people have been being engaged floating right under the bridge. Certainly, this is one of the romantic bridges in Venice.

Ponte delle Guglie

Connecting the area of Piazzale Roma – Stazione with Rialto and San Marco at Strada Nuova is the Ponte delle Guglie. The bridge first built in 1580 was later restored twice. A path for the disabled was added during the latest renovation. The bridge crossing the Cannaregio Canal is a busy spot always. Owing to the metal spires ornamenting the bridge, it is also known as the “Bridge of Spires”. It's close to the Venezia Santa Lucia train station, not far from the Rialto Bridge.

Ponte Del Diavolo

An antique piece this is. The arch style bridge is believed to be built in the fifteenth century. The bridge connects the historic centre of Torcello to the lagoon. Situated in the town of Torcello along Maggiore Canal, the bridge stands sturdy with an air of mysterious past. Ponte del Diavolo or Devil's Bridge as it is known got its name from a legend.  A tragic love story of a Venetian girl and an Austrian officer is the base of the legend. A witch reunited the unfortunate couple at the behest of a witch. The meeting point was at the bridge.

Ponte della Liberta

An important gateway to the centre of the City of Venice is The Ponte della Liberta. The road bridge built in 1933 was the longest bridge in the world back then. About four kilometres long and twenty meters wide, it still is the longest bridge in Italy. A two-lane railroad track side by side existed even before the road bridge was built. It facilitates easy access to Piazzale Roma and the Isola del Tronchetto. Proximity to bus stops, train stations and parking areas in Venice makes the bridge all the more popular. The view of the Mainland and the Island from the bridge is exceptional too.