Bridge of Sighs

Yes, I know what you’re thinking, it’s like all of a sudden you feel like you are in Italy. Venice, to be more precise. The bridge you see in front of you, even though it looks exactly like the Rialto, is known as the Bridge of Sighs. It’s true, it’s more marketable. Its real name is the Hertford Bridge, because it connects two parts of Hertford College. It was built in the 20th century, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of Oxford’s most photographed monuments. Its intriguing architecture is what makes it so popular. You can admire it from all angles, but you have to be a Hertford student to cross it. A mistaken myth suggests that the bridge was once off-limits to students. Apparently this was due to an investigation about students’ health in every college, and Hertford students were deemed to be a little overweight and in need of exercise. The bridge was then closed to force them to take the stairs. But in reality, taking the bridge means taking the most stairs! Either way, if you get the chance, don’t hesitate to come back at dusk and admire the mysterious Bridge of Sighs all lit up.