Bridge if Sighs

This infamous footbridge connects the Doge’s Palace with the Prigioni (prisons).

The Italian name for the Bridge of Sighs is Ponte dei Sospiri. The canal beneath the bridge is one of the most popular places to kiss in Venice.

Rialto Bridge

Just as famous as the Bridge of Sighs and equally photogenic, the Rialto Bridge is the main pedestrian crossing over the Grand Canal.

Rows of shops line this wide, arched bridge and the famous Rialto fish and food market is nearby.

Academy Bridge

The Academy Bridge (Ponte dell Accademia) is so named because it crosses the Grand Canal at the Galleria dell Accademia, one of the top museums in Venice.

Scalzi Bridge

Named for the nearby Chiesa degli Scalzi, literally the “church of the barefoot monks,” the Scalzi Bridge is an elegant stone span that links the Santa Croce and Cannaregio neighborhoods.

Calatrava Bridge

Completed in 2008, the Calatrava Bridge was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

The final of 4 bridges to span the Grand Canal, the Calatrava has been a controversial addition to Venice’s architectural landscape because of its modern appearance.

Ponte delle Guglie

The Ponte delle Guglie is one of two bridges that span the Cannaregio Canal, situated at its western end, near where it joins with the Grand Canal. It’s close to the Venezia Santa Lucia train station, not far from the Rialto Bridge.

Ponte della Paglia

If you want to view the Bridge of Sighs, the best vantage point is this bridge, which dates back to 1847. Local folklore has it that the bridge gets its name because boats used to dock it in order to bring their cargo of Paglia (straw) into Venice.

Ponte della Liberta

This bridge connects the mainland to the islands that make up Venice’s city center. The Ponte della Liberta used to be known as the Ponte Littorio.