THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS

One cannot visit Venice without admiring and capturing one of its most famous attractions: the Bridge of Sighs.

It is located in the Sestiere di San Marco, in St. Mark's Square, therefore in the very center of the city.

Despite its romantic name, the bridge, which is hanging and enclosed and crosses Rio di Palazzo, was used to transfer inmates from prisons to the court offices in maximum security.

Built to a design by Antonio Contin, it was in fact built in 1602 to connect the Doge's Palace to the New Prisons. It consists of two narrow corridors, one for those entering and one for those leaving the prisons.

Despite its romantic name, the bridge, hanging, enclosed, and spanning Rio di Palazzo, was used to transfer inmates from the prisons to the court offices in maximum security.

Built to a design by Antonio Contin, it was in fact built in 1602 to connect the Ducal Palace to the New Prisons. It consists of two narrow corridors, one for those entering and one for those leaving the prisons.

The view of the Bridge of Sighs from the Doge's Palace

Nearby attractions: Basilica of San Marco, Doge's Palace, Campanile di San Marco, Clock Tower

Its name comes from the romantic tradition that convicts sighed as they passed over it, because they would never see the city again.

You can take your souvenir photos from either the Ponte della Paglia ( near the Doge's Palace, it crosses the Rio di Palazzo and connects the Riva degli Schiavoni with the Piazzetta di San Marco) or the Ponte della Canonica ( behind the Piazzetta dei Leoncini).

Whatever the length of your stay, don't forget to include the Bridge of Sighs in your itinerary for visiting Venice!