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November 21st, 2016

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The Rialto Bridge or the Ponte di Rialto is one of four bridges that span Venice’s Grand Canal.

Rialto Bridge Facts: the Heart of Venice's Grand Canal

Rialto Bridge it’s considered to be the true heart of Venice, since it connects the San Marco and San Polo districts. It’s a sight you can’t miss on an Italian Vacation or a visit to Venice.

The Rialto Bridge is potentially one of the most visited bridges in the world - and is definitely one of the most photographed sights in Venice Italy! Here’s a little insight into why so many people, including ourselves, the Italian tours and Italian holiday experts Avventure Bellissime, find it so special.

Want to experience the magic of Venice's most iconic landmark? Join our Private Venice Day Tour for an intimate exploration of the city's treasures, including expert insights about the magnificent Rialto Bridge.

Fascinating Facts About the Rialto Bridge You Need to Know

There has been a crossing at the current site of the Rialto Bridge since the 12th Century. The current Rialto Bridge was originally opened in 1591. It replaced the previous wooden structures that had spanned the waterway. amazingly, the Rialto Bridge crossing was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot for 300 years!

Now of course, the bridge has company with the other three (and sometimes four) bridges in Venice. These include the Ponte della Costituzione – a glass span which opened in 2008, the Ponte degli Scalzi – the barefoot bridge which current stone version dates from 1934, Ponta del’Accademia that links San Marco to the Accademia gallery. Then of course, there’s the annual temporary structure that’s in place around the Festa della Salute.

Discover the grandeur of Venice's waterways on our Grand Canal Boat Tour in Venice - glide beneath the majestic Rialto Bridge while learning fascinating stories about its 400-year history.

Rialto Bridge History and Timeline

The history of the bridges at the site of the current Rialto Bridge Venice is quite a colourful one and it points to the eventful nature of Venice’s back-story.

1181 - The first dry crossing was built

1255 - The bridge was replaced due to the increased usage for people getting to the Rialto market

1310 - The bridge was partly burned down during the revolt led by Tiepolo

1444 - It collapsed under the weight of a crowd watching a boat parade.

15th Century - two rows of shops were created on the sides of the bridge and the rents paid for its maintenance

1524 - The bridge collapsed again

1551 - The Venetians began to consider how they could replace the bridge. Five designers were considered – including Michelangelo. Antonio da Ponte finally completed the current stone bridge in 1591.

Interesting Facts About the Rialto Bridge's Construction

From start to finish, the construction took three years and caused much complaint from the merchants of the city. Although his contemporaries predicted that it would not last – the bridge has proved them wrong and Ponte’s structure is still in place today.

The structure is formed of two inclined ramps that are covered by a Portico and have rows of shops on either side. The arch of the bridge is particularly high – and this was to accommodate the galley ships that passed. The structure sits on 12,000 wooden pilings and they still support the bridge to this day. Apparently during riots that took place in 1797 the bridge was used to fire canons from – a sure test of its structure if ever there was one!

A Fact About Rialto Bridge: It's an Iconic Structure in Venice

The bridge is an iconic structure in Venice. It’s well worth a visit to say you’ve been, to explore the detail of the structure, to sail under it or indeed to cross over it – visiting the little gift shops that exist on it.

With Avventure Bellissime’s you can experience the Rialto Bridge Venice on one of our Italian tours of Venice. You can join us on one of our tours which cover the highlights of Venice and a ride on a traditional Venetian Gondola.

Making a stop in Venice during your cruise? Our Private Venice Shore Excursion ensures you won't miss any of the city's highlights, including the perfect photo opportunity at the legendary Rialto Bridge.

For more information please visit our tour pages:

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