The Magnificent Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Venice. Situated on
the Grand Canal it takes your breath away on first sight and still,
after so many years, I feel the same way every time I see it.
When you actually see the bridge, it always looks a lot bigger than photos would lead you to believe. It is more impressive, more beautiful too.
At night, all lit up, it is particularly magical. As the light changes throughout the day so does the bridge.
Apart from late at night, early morning and sunset are the best times to visit. The light is beautiful and fewer tourists are around. Later in the day, especially during summer, it can become very crowded.
Our Tip: One of the loveliest views of the bridge is from the Rialto Hotel, a delightful hotel situated along the Grand Canal and offering "prime position" when it comes to the Rialto Bridge. The view below is from the hotel...
A Little History
This latest bridge is also a lot better built than the previous versions. All the old ones collapsed or burned down at intervals of every hundred years or so.
The current bridge was built between 1588 and 1591, after the last of the previous wooden versions gave up the ghost in 1524.
Being Italy, it took fifty years of arguing about whether another wooden bridge or a stone one should be built and about who should build it before they actually got started on the current bridge.
Finally they gave the go ahead to Antonio de Ponte, whose surname means bridge in Italian, and whose design is that of the current bridge. Interestingly enough Michelangelo was also considered at one stage for the job but his rate was too high and they couldn’t afford him.
The design of Antonio de Ponte is very similar to the previous wooden one. It was considered pretty revolutionary at the time for a stone bridge and was the first stone bridge to span the Grand Canal .
Weird Facts: The bridge is built entirely of marble and, because there is no central support, many believed it would collapse. History has proved the doubters wrong.
Shopping on the Bridge
The shops along the sides of the bridge were built to pay for its
construction and they now sell glass, masks and linen at horribly
inflated prices. Browse but don’t buy is my advice.
If you would like to buy glass, I would suggest that you first read our Venice glass shopping guide and then take the boat trip out to Murano.
For masks, try some of the shops I mention on the Venice Carnival Mask page or in our Venice shopping guide.
You'll Enjoy These...
Legend has it the Bridge of Sighs was named because it offered prisoners their last view of Venice before execution. I like the legend of eternal love better...
Castello in Venice is a get away from the theme park feel of St. Marks Square. In some ways this is small town Italy, old ladies gossiping in the squares and...
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!
Hidden away in secret corners are some really lovely parks and gardens. These Venice Italy attractions are the secret Venice doesn't share with the world.
These are some of the loveliest photographs of Venice and Italy that I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning is the only way to describe them...enjoy!
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.
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
Ever considered visiting Venice Italy? Here is the final temptation you need. Tell me you don't want to pack after seeing this!
San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the loveliest Venice tourist attractions. Looking across from San Marco the island of San Giorgio is a splendid sight indeed.
Venice Carnival masks are famous throughout the world and the Carnival itself was recently voted as one of the world’s top five carnivals. Visit us for inside info on buying masks and carnival tips.
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.
Real Venetian life is lived far from the tourist spots. Down the little canals and lanes is where you'll discover the real Venice.
San Giacomo in Venice is a little known church - just the type of place I love. Our site is full of such places...
Getting lost in Venice is the best way to discover the amazing secrets and soul of this city. These amazing photos were all captured down the secret alleys and forgotten canals...
Of the many lovely Venice Churches this is one that should be added to your must see list when in Venice. Home to everything Venice - visit us now
Our guide to Venice Treviso Airport and all you need to know to find the cheapest flights to Venice.
Of all the canals of Venice the Grand Canal is the greatest - perhaps the most beautiful avenue in the world. A little strange it may be, an avenue of water, yet lined with some of the greatest...
Venice vacation rentals, the best way to really live the city & feel like a local. I love going to the outdoor market, coming home laden with local produce & great wine to cook up a pasta dish.
It is so easy to get ripped off in the shops around St Marks Square, therefore this Murano glass buying guide is essential reading...
These 6 places to see near Venice are awesome. If you're visiting Venice you seriously DO NOT want to miss out on seeing them.
Our site is dedicated to Venice Italy and the Veneto. This is our collection of some of the loveliest photos of Venice Italy.
Looking for a good value hotel in Venice? We discovered a fantastic one this summer; great value and right by the Rialto Bridge
Time Magazine calls the Venice Ghetto one of the world's 100 most important places. Join us in a visual exploration of Jewish Venice...
St Marks Basilica is enchanting. Its Byzantine design seems more Istanbul than Venice, while inside the sense of heavenly light descending through the darkness below is...
Gondolas inside and out, piles of books, cats everywhere and a fire escape that involves jumping into a canal. This is the Acqua Alta Bookshop
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.