Venice’s 8 historic bridges to cross
Venice is a city like no other in the world. Set on a lagoon and divided into a hundred or so islets linked by some 400 bridges, the City of the Doges owes its unique identity to this intimate relationship between architecture and water. Crossing Venice’s historic bridges is much more than crossing from one bank to the other: it’s a journey through centuries of Venetian history, popular rivalries, romantic legends and architectural feats. Whether you’re visiting Venice for the first time or coming back to explore it in a different way, this itinerary across the 8 most remarkable historic bridges offers you a new reading of the Serenissima.
From the famous Rialto Bridge, one of the city’s must-see symbols, to the discreet Chiodo Bridge, whose uniqueness lies in its lack of railings, each of Venice’s bridges has its own character, history and secrets. To make sure you don’t miss any of these treasures, and to discover them in all the detail that makes them so fascinating, let yourself be guided by the Navaway audioguide itinerary in Venice, designed to explore the city on foot, at your own pace and in complete autonomy.
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1. The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
It’s impossible to talk about Venice’s historic bridges without starting with the most famous. The Rialto Bridge is not only the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, but also one of Italy’s most photographed monuments. Its single-arch silhouette has become the architectural symbol of an entire city.
The history of the Rialto began long before its current form. The first pontoon bridge was built in the 12th century to link the two banks of the Grand Canal. Rebuilt in wood in 1265, the bridge was damaged by fire and flooding on several occasions over the following centuries. The decision to build a stone bridge was taken in 1525, after lengthy deliberations in the Venetian Senate. Great architects of the time, including Michelangelo and Palladio, submitted their designs, but in the end Antonio da Ponte won the contract. Work began in 1588 and was completed in 1591, giving rise to the structure we know today.
Spanning 48 metres and measuring 22 metres wide, the Rialto Bridge rests on some 6,000 elm, alder and oak piles driven into the lagoon floor. Its design is unique: three parallel passages for pedestrians, the central passage of which still houses a double row of shops under six arches. For centuries, it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot, and was the economic heart of Venice, linking the San Polo district and its famous Rialto market to the rest of the city. The Rialto Bridge is a must-see on any tour of Venice’s bridges.
2. The Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell’Accademia)
The second of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Accademia Bridge is appreciated as much for its panoramic view of the Grand Canal as for its eventful history. Unlike the Rialto, which took several generations to build, this bridge was the result of a quick and pragmatic decision, not without controversy.
It was British engineer Alfred Neville who built the first metal version of the bridge in 1854, in an industrial style that greatly displeased the Venetians. The cast-iron structure was deemed incompatible with the aesthetics of the city. In the early 1930s, a decision was taken to replace the bridge with a structure more in keeping with Venetian architecture. The architect Eugenio Miozzi was commissioned to carry out the project. But time was short, so he first built a temporary wooden footbridge in just 37 days, which was opened to the public in 1933. As the saying goes, “the temporary lasts”, and indeed this temporary structure, reinforced many times, is still in place today – despite having undergone major renovation work.
This bridge takes its name from the famous Gallerie dell’Accademia, one of Venice’s most important art museums, located right next to its southern end, in the Dorsoduro district. Standing 6.5 metres above the Grand Canal, it offers one of the best views of the canal and the palaces that line it. Lovers traditionally hang padlocks from the railings, perpetuating a well-known romantic tradition. If you want to visit Venice and enjoy these exceptional views of the Grand Canal, this bridge is a must on any walking tour of the Serenissima.
3. The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)
Few bridges in the world can boast as much dramatic history, romantic legend and architectural beauty as the Bridge of Sighs. This covered bridge is the only one of its kind in Venice, and one of the most photographed in the world. It is instantly recognisable thanks to its barred windows and Baroque ornamentation in white Istrian stone.
Built around 1602 by the architect Antonio Contin, the Bridge of Sighs linked the Doge’s Palace to the new prison, built in 1614 on the other side of the Rio di Palazzo. Its role was purely functional: to enable convicts to be transferred from the court of the Ducal Palace directly to their cells, without being able to escape. Its interior architecture was designed with this in mind: a double corridor, separated by a central wall, so that the prisoners could not communicate with each other. Access to the Bridge of Sighs is possible with an entrance ticket to the Doge’s Palace, which also gives access to the prison known as the “Wells”.
Its poetic name – “Sospiri” means “sighs” in Italian – evokes the complaints of the condemned prisoners who crossed this passage and took one last look at the lagoon and the campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore through the small barred windows, before being imprisoned for many years, sometimes for life. Among the most famous prisoners to have used this bridge was Giacomo Casanova, who managed to escape in 1756. Romantic legend has it that couples who kiss under the Bridge of Sighs at sunset aboard a gondola will be granted eternal love. The Bridge of Sighs is one of the places not to be missed on Navaway’s audio tour of Venice.
4. The Bridge of the Discalced (Ponte degli Scalzi)
The Bridge of the Discalced (30100 Venezia VE, Italy, rated 4.6/5 on Google for over 3,100 reviews) is the first bridge that most travellers arriving in Venice by train or bus discover, as it is located directly opposite the Santa Lucia station. It takes its name from the “scalzi” or Discalced Carmelite monks, whose church and convent are located nearby on the left bank.
The history of this bridge is directly linked to the modernisation of Venice in the 19th century. It was Alfred Neville, the British engineer who had already designed the first Accademia Bridge, who built the first cast-iron version in 1846 to meet the growing traffic needs of the new railway station. But, as with the Accademia Bridge, the industrial aesthetics of this metal structure did not satisfy the Venetians. In the 1930s, as part of a major programme to modernise the city’s infrastructure, the architect Eugenio Miozzi was commissioned to design a new bridge in Istrian stone, more in keeping with Venetian architecture. The work was completed in 1934, and it is this version that we can admire today.
With a span of 40 metres and a height of 6.75 metres over the Grand Canal, the Pont des Déchaussés offers a beautiful view of the canal from its summit. It’s also an excellent starting point for exploring Venice on foot. From here, you walk along the Grand Canal towards Piazza San Marco, gradually passing through all the city’s historic districts. If you don’t want to miss a thing, don’t hesitate to use the Navaway audioguide, which guides you on your own to the most beautiful points of interest in the Serenissima.
5. The Bridge of Fists (Ponte dei Pugni)
The Bridge of the Fists (Campo San Barnaba, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 1,038 reviews) is without doubt the most unusual bridge in our selection. Nestling in the picturesque Dorsoduro district, close to Campo San Barnaba, this little brick arch bridge crosses the Rio de San Barnaba and doesn’t look like much at first glance. But its history makes it an absolute must-see for anyone interested in Venice’s historic bridges.
Its evocative name – ‘Pugni’ means ‘fists’ in Italian – comes from a popular tradition that has now disappeared: the ‘War of the Fists’. Venice was once divided into two rival factions, the Castellani (from the eastern districts of the city, around Castello) and the Nicolotti (from the western districts, including Dorsoduro). These rivalries were regularly settled in fights organised on the city’s bridges, and the Ponte dei Pugni was one of the favourite theatres for these clashes. The rules were simple: the group that managed to maintain its position on the bridge and throw its opponents into the canal below won. These battles could attract hundreds of spectators and sometimes degenerated into full-blown riots. They were finally banned by the authorities in 1705 as being too violent.
Today, the memory of these picturesque jousts is perpetuated by four white marble footprints inlaid in the corners of the bridge, indicating the starting positions of the combatants on both sides. A charming detail that makes visitors smile and reminds them of a popular and combative Venice, far removed from the usual romantic image. It’s worth noting that right next to the bridge is a famous grocery boat permanently moored on the canal, one of the city’s best-known floating markets.
6. The Chiodo Bridge (Ponte Chiodo)
Lost in the quiet alleyways of the Cannaregio district, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist centre, the Chiodo Bridge (Rio di san Felice, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 2,009 reviews) is a unique architectural curiosity in the Venetian landscape. What makes it special? It is the only bridge in the historic centre of Venice to have retained its original appearance, with no railings or guardrails on the sides.
In the past, almost all the bridges in Venice had no parapets – that’s how they originally looked. Over the centuries, the authorities gradually imposed the installation of railings on all the city’s bridges for safety reasons, in particular to prevent accidental falls into the canals. But the Chiodo bridge has escaped this, partly because it is a private bridge. It was built in the 15th century and belonged to the noble Chiodo family, from whom it takes its name – “chiodo” meaning “nail” in Italian. It served as a direct entrance to their patrician residence, which gave it a special status in the town’s legal organisation.
Crossing the Chiodo Bridge is a strange and delightful experience: you instantly understand how Venetians of the past had to move with confidence and balance on these narrow, unprotected structures, come rain or shine. It’s a popular spot for photographers, who find it an authentic setting on the Rio di San Felice, with the colourful facades of the palaces reflected in the water. To discover the most authentic corners of Venice, take the Navaway audioguide tour, which will take you to the hidden treasures of the Serenissima.
7. The straw bridge (Ponte della Paglia)
Located on the Riva degli Schiavoni, a stone’s throw from Saint Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, the Straw Bridge (30124 Venezia VE, Italy, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 783 reviews) is one of the oldest bridges in Venice. Its first stone version dates back to 1360, making it one of the oldest structures of its type in the whole of the Serenissima. The current structure dates back to 1847, when the bridge was widened and rebuilt to accommodate the growth in pedestrian traffic.
Its enigmatic name – “Paglia” means “straw” in Italian – comes from a medieval practice: boats loaded with straw once docked near this bridge to supply the city with this material, which was indispensable at the time. A small sculpture of the Madonna of the Gondoliers, dating from 1583, is inlaid in its side wall, a reminder of the devotion of Venetian bargemen.
But it is above all for the view it offers that the Pont de la Paille is one of the most popular sites in Venice today. From its summit, you have a perfect view of the Bridge of Sighs, nestling in the Rio di Palazzo. It is one of the most photographed spots in the city, especially at sunset when the golden light illuminates the white stone façades and the waters of the canal. The Pont de la Paille-Pont des Soupirs ensemble forms a living tableau, a symbolic image of Venice that visitors from all over the world seek out. It’s one of the stops you won’t want to miss on your exploration of Venice’s historic bridges.
8. The Constitution Bridge (Ponte della Costituzione)
The Constitution Bridge (Ponte de la Constituzione, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 13,506 reviews), also known as the Ponte di Calatrava after its architect, is the fourth and most recent of the bridges spanning the Grand Canal. Inaugurated in 2008, it stands in stark contrast to the other three historic bridges with its deliberately contemporary aesthetic, making it both the subject of controversy and a must-see attraction for fans of modern architecture.
Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, a leading figure in global high-tech architecture, the Constitution Bridge is 94 metres long and 9 metres wide at its centre. Its main steel structure is supported by a single arch, while the deck is composed of glass slabs and Istrian stone panels for the railings. A total of 156 blocks of Istrian stone and a steel structure weighing 420 tonnes were required for its construction. The bridge is raised 9.28 metres above the Grand Canal, offering a remarkable view of the surrounding palaces. It is also equipped with a lift for people with reduced mobility.
Its geographical position is strategic: it connects the Venice-Santa Lucia railway station to Piazzale Roma, the bus terminus, making it the real pedestrian gateway to the city for the vast majority of visitors. Although its glass slabs can be slippery in wet weather – a fault often pointed out – and the controversy over its final cost (far higher than the initial budget) has not completely died down, the Constitution Bridge has gradually established itself as an integral part of the Venetian landscape. At first glance, it offers a striking contrast with the medieval and baroque décor that surrounds it: exactly what a city like Venice, always alive and in dialogue with the times, knows how to do best.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Venice on foot and on your own
Would you like to explore the bridges and treasures of Venice at your own pace, without a guide or time constraints? The Navaway app offers you a complete audio-guided tour of Venice, entitled “Encounter with the Serenissima”. In 7.6 km and 3.5 hours, this walking tour takes you through 26 of the city’s must-see places of interest, with enriched audio commentary, historical anecdotes and practical information. Interactive navigation, fun audio guides, adaptive departure from the point closest to you: everything is designed to make your visit to Venice as memorable as it is rewarding.
In conclusion, Venice’s 8 historic bridges form an architectural and human journey through the centuries of the Serenissima. From the majestic Rialto to the discreet Chiodo Bridge, via the poetic Bridge of Sighs and the audacious Constitution Bridge, each bridge tells the story of an era, a society and a way of living in the lagoon. To cross these bridges is to understand the depths of Venice, far beyond the clichés. To make the most of this experience and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the city’s secrets, let the Navaway Venice itinerary be your guide and discover the City of the Doges like never before. Visiting Venice is also like walking from bridge to bridge, with your ears wide open to history.
FAQ – Venice’s historic bridges
How many bridges are there in Venice?
Venice has around 400 bridges in all, linking the 100 to 120 islands that make up the city. These bridges cross the many canals – the “rii” – that criss-cross the city. Of these, only four span the Grand Canal, the city’s main canal: the Rialto Bridge, the Accademia Bridge, the Bridge of the Discalced and the Constitution Bridge.
Which is the oldest bridge in Venice?
The Rialto Bridge is considered to be the oldest of Venice’s great bridges over the Grand Canal. Its first version dates back to the 12th century, although the stone structure we see today dates back to 1591. As for the stone bridges outside the Grand Canal, the Pont de la Paille is one of the oldest, with its first construction dating back to 1360.
What is the name of the covered bridge in Venice?
The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is the only covered bridge in the historic centre of Venice. Built around 1602 in Baroque style, it links the Doge’s Palace to the prison across the Rio di Palazzo. It is one of the most photographed and best-known monuments in the Serenissima.
Which bridge in Venice has no railing?
The Chiodo Bridge, located in the Cannaregio district, is the only bridge in the historic centre of Venice without railings. It therefore retains its original appearance, as most Venetian bridges did before the authorities imposed the installation of lateral protection. It is a private bridge that historically belonged to the noble Chiodo family.
When was the Constitution Bridge built in Venice?
The Constitution Bridge, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, was inaugurated in 2008. It is the fourth bridge over the Grand Canal and the most recent in Venice. Its construction has been the subject of much controversy, not least because of its resolutely modern style and its final cost, which was much higher than originally forecast.
Can you visit Venice on your own and on foot?
Yes, absolutely! Venice’s historic centre is entirely pedestrianised. It’s great fun to wander around on foot, from bridge to bridge and from district to district. For an enriching experience, the Navaway app offers a complete audio-guided itinerary for visiting Venice on your own, covering 26 points of interest in 7.6 km over approximately 3.5 hours. It’s the ideal way to discover Venice’s historic bridges and all the other treasures of the City of the Doges without relying on a guide or group.
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