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With so many small islands and such an intricate system of canals, bridges become a necessity in Venice. Thanks to bridges of all different shapes and sizes, the city can easily be navigated by foot as well as by boat. While there are numerous smaller footbridges, there are only three bridges that span the Grand Canal. One of these is the wooden Ponte dell'Accademia which resembles the bridge that once stood in its place. Another is the Rialto Bridge which is just as much of a market as it is a piece of infrastucture. Modern bridges have also been constructed in areas such as Giudecca where new housing is being erected. Lucky residents will even find private bridges leading to their doors. All in all, it is clear that bridges are an important part of Venice's circulation and history.
Greg Scarmo
The Ponte di Rialto (or Rialto Bridge) is the oldest and most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Initially built in 1250 as a timber bridge to cross to the Rialto market on the eastern bank, today, this bridge has become an icon to the city. The first wooden bridge was a simple structure composed of two inclined ramps meeting at a moveable central section that could be raised for large ships to pass through. In the first half of the 15th century, two rows of shops were built along the sides of the bridge, whose income helped with the maintenance of the bridge. In 1444, the bridge collapsed under the weight of a crowd watching a boat parade, and it collapsed again in 1524. Finally, in 1551, Italian authorities requested proposals for the renewal of the bridge, and Antonio da Ponte beat out other architects such as Palladio, Vignola, and even Michaelangelo for the project. The present stone bridge was completed in 1591, and it is remarkably similar to the original wooden bridge with its single span flanked by boutiques.
Sara Anrrich
