Rialto Bridge spans the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. It’s the city’s oldest bridge which divides San Polo and San Marco districts. The area of Rialto is well known for its canal side markets, including the daily produce and fish market. The ornate design of the bridge attracts visitors, and many choose to sail underneath listening to the lilt of the gondolier’s song.
Rialto Bridge is situated close to many of the city’s famous attractions. The bridge itself is architecturally splendid, walk across and admire the many stalls and views from the bridge, or float down the Grand Canal in a gondola. Cross the bridge to San Polo district to explore Rialto Market or discover the splendour of Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto with its Gothic portico and 15th century one-handed clock. It is one of the oldest churches in the city. Walking through San Marco, travellers will notice several artisan shops and bars. Venture into the side streets and have a traditional Venetian mask made to order or invest in some hand-blown Murano glass from the nearby lagoon islands. Some of the most iconic Venetian attractions are located around St. Mark’s Square. It is home to Doge’s Palace, the Basilica di San Marco and the Campanile Tower. A visit to the top of the bell tower offers unsurpassed views of St. Mark’s Square, the Lido and the island of Murano. The Venetian Gothic designed Doge’s Palace is one of eleven world-class museums in the area. Facing the Grand Canal and overlooking St. Mark’s Square, the exterior architecture tempts visitors inside to discover its fascinating history. Before departing Venice, be sure to sail underneath the Bridge of Sighs and indulge in deliciously creamy Italian gelato.
Rialto Bridge is easy to reach from many Venetian attractions on foot. Follow the signs through labyrinth streets from St. Mark’s Square and reach Rialto Bridge in 7 minutes. Gondolas can transport visitors throughout the city streets via canal and vaporetto water taxis are available nearby on the banks of the Grand Canal.
Rialto bridge was once a floating bridge, but due to the developing markets it had to be replaced by a wooden structure. The new wooden bridge had a retractable central section which could be easily raised to accommodate tall merchant ships passing through the city. The current stone bridge was designed by Antonio da Ponte and was completed in 1591. Today, it is one of the most iconic structures in Venice, with shops and stalls atop and the bustling canal flowing below, it has one of the best photographic opportunities in the city.