10 Most Beautiful Bridges in Venice

When Antoine Contino unveiled the Bridge of Sighs (“Ponte dei Sospiri”) in 1600, it began a centuries-long fascination of this Baroque arch-style bridge and its place in the history of Venice. Lord Byron, a 19th Century poet, gave the bridge its name, referring to the sighs prisoners made upon seeing their last view of Venice before confinement.

Generations of visitors have been drawn to see the bridge. For couples visiting Venice, local tradition holds that if couples kiss as they pass beneath the bridge in a gondola, they will enjoy eternal love. The bridge connects the New Prison and the Doge’s Palace. You can find it on Rio di Palazzo Canal, off Grand Canal, the main canal that connects Venice’s most famous attractions.

An enduring symbol of Venice, the Rialto Bridge (“Ponte di Rialto”), is the oldest Venice bridge and 1 of 4 that span the Grand Canal. Built by Antonio da Ponte, it opened in 1591 to replace a bridge built in 1264. Uncover fascinating wonders of Venice on either side of this architectural gem.

The San Marcos district is at the heart of Venice’s famous attractions. Explore the sights and sounds of Venetian culture at the bustling Rialto Market. Enjoy an aperitif with cicchetti, delicious bite-size starters. Inviting restaurants will beckon you with scrumptious Italian pasta and seafood. Tour the bell tower (“Campanile di San Marco”) of St. Mark’s Basilica for enchanting views of the sunset and moonrise over Venice.

Before the construction of Ponte della Paglia (“The Bridge of Straw”) in 1847, the site was occupied by the original bridge built in 1360, then the oldest stone bridge in Venice. The bridge’s name refers to the nearby mooring spot for boats that came to offload straw.

From the bridge, you will have excellent views of the Bridge of Sighs and San Marcos basin, part of the Venetian Lagoon. A bas-relief of Madonna of the Gondoliers is on the bridge’s side. Casanova’s colourful diaries mentioned this as the place he met a woman whose life he had once saved. Stand where he did and appreciate this Venice bridge and its views, perhaps the most picturesque in the city. Visit in early morning or sunset to avoid crowds.

Ponte dell’Accademia (“The Accademia Bridge”) is a wood and metal bridge opened in 1985 and 1 of 4 bridges that span the Grand Canal. Its namesake is the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia (“the Accademia”), a prestigious visual arts academy that has been at the centre of Venetian art and culture for centuries. This bridge links the city centre with the Dorsoduro district, an artsy, Bohemian area.

Visit Accademia Galleries, shop for Venetian crafts, and sip an espresso at a quaint café. Venice’s golden hour is a perfect time to stroll along the Grand Canal to enjoy the local ambiance and admire the surrounding Venetian architecture. Enjoy the evening by savouring Venetian cuisine and raise a toast to The Arts and Ponte dell’Accademia.

Opened in 1841, Ponte della Libertà (also known as Liberty Bridge) is a causeway bridge that connects the mainland with the centre of Venice. Designed by Eugenio Miozzi, its name honours the end of the Fascist dictatorship and Nazi occupation. As you travel across the bridge into Venice, you will feel as though you have stepped back in time.

Discover a colourful maze of canals and narrow, winding passageways (“calles”). Explore intimate piazzas to mix with locals who gather each day to enjoy the pleasant Venetian atmosphere. Popular piazzas include St. Mark’s Square (“Piazza San Marco”) and Campo San Polo. Campo San Barnaba’s church became famous for its appearance in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Ponte della Constituzione (“Constitution Bridge”) is a glass and steel Truss bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2008. Its name celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Italian Constitution. The bridge’s modern design is controversial because it contrasts with Venice’s historical architecture, and it is one of the first impressions of Venice by visitors entering the city.

Despite its controversy, this Venice bridge functions as an important link to Piazzale Roma at the city’s entrance and the Santa Lucia train station. Spend time exploring lovely views of the Venetian waterways, including several picturesque spots on the Grand Canal. Nearby shops are a wonderful place to find unique Venetian items that will remind you of time with family and friends in this remarkable city.

Ponte delle Guglie (“The Bridge of Spires”) spans the Cannaregio Canal, one of the main waterways of Venice. The bridge’s history spans several centuries. The first wooden bridge at this site was built in 1285. It was replaced in 1580 by the current stone and brick arch bridge.

When the bridge was rebuilt in 1823, formidable spires were added to each corner, hence the bridge’s name. The gargoyles on the bridge’s arch are not to be missed. The bridge connects pedestrians to Cannaregio, a district renowned for its down-to-earth appeal, as well as its historical significance to Venice. This is an area to visit if you are looking for a quiet local atmosphere with authentic Venetian character.

Thanks to its intriguing history, Ponte dei Pugni (“The Bridge of Fists”) is one of the most popular Venice bridges. It was originally constructed in 1596 to span Rio di San Barnaba Canal, connecting to the Dorsoduro district. Centuries ago, disputes between rival groups were settled on this bridge.

Still visible today, 4 marble footprints mark the spot where the challenges began, and sometimes ended with participants being tossed into the canal. The exterior of the nearby Church of San Barnaba gained fame as the library in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. While exploring, purchase fruit from a Venetian barge or indulge in your favourite flavour of gelato, Italian ice cream. Stroll along Fondamenta Zattere, a promenade on the Giudecca Canal.

The one-of-a-kind Ponte dei Tre Archi (“Bridge of Three Arches”) is one of the main bridges in Venice and the only one with a triple arch design. This bridge and Ponte delle Guglie connects pedestrians to the Cannaregio district, famous for its historical Jewish quarter, or the Venetian Ghetto.

The current bridge was rebuilt in 1688 by Andre Tirali who kept the Baroque design of the original bridge built in 1580. You can find this Venice bridge on the Cannaregio Canal near the Church of San Giobbe. Continue your architectural adventures at Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Dedicated in 1489, it is known as the “marble church” and is one of the best examples of early Venetian Renaissance architecture.

Ponte dei Bareteri (“The Bridge of the Hat Makers”) is an elegant stone arch bridge dedicated to the cap makers whose shops were in this area. Opened in 1509, it replaced a wooden bridge and is located between the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. This Venice bridge is one of the filming locations for the 1955 film Summertime starring Katherine Hepburn.

Hepburn plays a secretary from Ohio who spends the summer in Venice and falls in love with a Venetian man. Follow in her footsteps and visit the shop where she encounters Renato, her love interest, at the base of the bridge. In this same area, you can window shop, hunt for antiques, and look for other intriguing finds.