The Tragic Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs or Ponte dei Sospiri is the second most famous of Venice’s bridges - a close runner-up to the
Rialto Bridge.
Of the two bridges this is of more recent construction, its name is
tinged with sadness and it is an essential stop for the romantic looking
to find eternal love in Venice...
Legend has it that the bridge was given its name because it offered
condemned prisoners their last view of beautiful Venice before being
executed.
Nice story but apparently not true and the name was thanks to the
poetic imaginings of Lord Byron in the 19th century.
Beautiful from
outside it may be but inside it's a grim and damp place. It makes it
very easy to imagine the legend being true.
The bridge dates back to the year 1600 and by any standard this is a fabulous bridge.
Viewing the bridge from the outside is not the easiest thing to
do. There is little space to see the bridge well and if you are in
Venice during July or August you might have a bit of a struggle.
The
best view, if you can overcome the crowds, is from the next bridge down wcalled the Ponte della
Paglia.
Romance in Venice?
Are you of romantic persuasion and intend to keep the one you love for evermore? Then get to this bridge as soon as you can!
It is whispered by locals that all you need to do is kiss in a gondola
under the bridge at sunset and you will be assured of eternal love.
Not many tourists know this and it is kept quiet in order to avoid a crush of tourists each sunset. I can't promise anything but I tried it nineteen years ago and I am still happily married. No risk in trying is there?
Need a place to stay in Venice? I'd recommend these hotels.
You'll Enjoy These...
A guide to the climate in Venice Italy, advice on the best time to visit Venice and when not to visit, detailed weather forecasts and much more.
A collection of good photos of Venice and Verona. I hope you enjoy this album featuring the most beautiful city on earth.
If the hustle and bustle of the usual Venice attractions gets a little much the southern lagoon is a good place to escape to for a few days.
The Doges Palace is one of those great buildings that tends to exceed even the highest expectations. On a sunny day the building seems to almost float above the Piazza.
They call it the secret season. A time when Venice returns to the mystical and magical city it has been for centuries. This is winter in Venice.
The Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Venice and perhaps the world. Here's everything you need to know about the bridge and plenty more on Venice too..
Discover a world of color. A place where every cottage is a different hue and where each and every color mixes and dances in the reflection off the canals. This is Burano!
Planning a Christmas in Italy? I have everything you need - advice on Italian Christmas traditions, insider tips, weather, great accommodation picks and...
As haunted buildings in Venice go Ca Dario is hard to beat. The number of people who have died shortly after owning this building is shocking.
Looking for the best books about Venice Italy? Whether it is food, travel or history we may just have the answer for you..
It is so easy to get ripped off in the shops around St Marks Square, therefore this Murano glass buying guide is essential reading...
Venetian art is world famous and Venice has inspired artists for centuries. I have longed to be able to offer contemporary art that continues that tradition...
The Metropole Hotel in Venice has a perfect location, right on St. Marks Square and it is billed as one of the most romantic hotels in Venice. Is this really the case? Find out...
Venice in Summer is a wonderful place to be. Colorful flower boxes add a splash of red while the gondolas ply their way up canals sparkling aquamarine in the summer sunshine.
Ever considered visiting Venice Italy? Here is the final temptation you need. Tell me you don't want to pack after seeing this!
Maps of Venice Italy features a selection of very useful maps of Venice Italy, Verona and the Veneto. Lots of secret places are marked awaiting your discovery
Pictures of Venice Italy features some magnificent photos of Venice, capturing the timeless beauty of the greatest city on earth.
The best tours of Venice Italy, selected by an insider. Walking tours, gondola trips, St. Mark’s Basilica and even a creepy ghost tour. We have it all!
Visiting Venice? Want to explore a little of the wonderful Veneto region in which Venice is located? Then our Veneto & Venice Itinerary is just what you need.
Enjoy this stunningly visual guide to beautiful Venice Italy, the Italian Lakes and Tuscany. You'll be swept up into an Italian dream world .
The best of Venice - 6 experiences you simply must have if you are visiting Venice. Here is the list...
The Jewish or Hebrew ghetto of Venice was the first ghetto for Jews in Europe and was the place where the word first originated. Read more in our guide.
The Cheap Flights to Venice Italy guide helps you to find the best and most economical way of getting to Venice or Verona
St Marks Square is the most beautiful piazza in the entire world - any Venetian will tell you so. Sparkling with light and color. Join me in discovering...
The ItalyMammaMia Blog shares news, beautiful Italian places, recipes and travel advice. We've videos and essential information for planning your next trip to Italy.
Please Book with Us... Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) via the link below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
You'll get the best deal available and the income I receive helps me to remain independent and to keep bringing you more of beautiful Italy.
Click to Begin
More Travel Tips:
- Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
- Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda both help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability on the days of your travels
- Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
- Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
- Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
- Get Insured with TravelInsurance.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.