Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is one of the four bridges that connects the shores of the Grand Canal in Venice. This bridge is the most famous and first bridge over the Grand Canal. It was built at the narrowest part of the canal.
Initially a pontoon bridge was built on this place in 1181 (which was named Ponte della Moneta, in Italian it means "Coin Bridge"). Later this bridge was replaced by a wooden one (it happened in 1255). However, wooden bridge collapsed several times and was decided to replace it with a stone bridge.
There was announced a competition for the best stone bridge design. This competition was attended by many famous architects (for example, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Andrea Palladio), but Antonio de Ponte won this competition. Stone bridge was constructed between 1588 and 1591.
At the moment, the bridge is one of the main tourist attractions of Venice.
How to get
There are several ways to get to the bridge:
- walk through the center of Venice
- nearby is the ferry stop Rialto. Ferries / riverboats: 1, 2 and night N.
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