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.

1. Home
›
2. Venice Essentials
›
3. Bridge of Sighs

You might like these

• The Italy! Mamma Mia! Blog

  The ItalyMammaMia Blog keeps you up-to-date with all additions and changes to the www.italymammamia.com web site. Subscribe here.

• Summer in Italy

  Ever experienced a summer in Italy? Well, we've a way that you can bring the sunshine and happiness of an Italian summer home with you.

• The Easter in Venice Guide

  Easter in Venice is wonderful, there's a special feeling in the air and Easter is still celebrated in the traditional way. Be a part of it - click for more.

Please Book with Us...

Maria here, if you enjoy my site and Facebook page I'd love your support.

Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) with the search box below or with any of the hotel links on the website.

I promise you'll get the best deal on accommodation available and the income we receive from HotelsCombined helps us to:

• Stay independent and to keep bringing you the best of Italy.
• Never have to accept money from hotels directly; that way we can share only those we genuinely love.
  

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Summer in Italy

   

   Ever experienced a summer in Italy? Well, we've a way that you can bring the sunshine and happiness of an Italian summer home with you.

   Read More

2. 12 Reasons to Move to Italy Now

   

   Need a push to get going? Here are 12 Reasons to Move to Italy now and start living your life the dolce vita way.

   Read More

3. Fall in Love with Padova

   

   City of bicycles, City of canals, City of medieval wonders. Padova is all of this and much more.

   Read More

4. Padua Italy - A Home for the Heart

   

   Padua Italy, known as Padova in Italian, has to be one of the loveliest of all Italian cities. There is so much to see and do here and it is a city that so many fall hopelessly in love with... I certa…

   Read More

5. The Best Hotel in Central Rome?

   

   There is a hotel in Rome that is so very special, where breakfast is served under the orange trees with the fragrance of orange blossom infusing the air.

   Read More

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.