Bridge of Sighs, Venice

The Bridge of Sighs, known as Ponte dei Sospiri in Italian, is one of the most famous bridges, not only in Venice, but in the world. And a trip to Venice must include a glimpse of this noteworthy bridge so we made sure to see it on our way out today.

The enclosed bridge is made of white limestone, has windows with stone bars, and passes over the Rio di Palazzo, connecting the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. It was designed by Antonio Contino (whose uncle Antonio da Ponte had designed the Rialto Bridge) and was built in 1600.

The bridge’s name, given by Lord Bryon as a Translation from the Italian name in the 19th century, comes from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells.Read more