If you are planning a day trip to Venice, there are a few sights you should not miss. One of them is the majestic “Ponte di Rialto” or Rialto Bridge, immortalized by artists like Canaletto and even mentioned by Shakespeare, whose Shylock in The Merchant of Venice asks, “What’s new on the Rialto?”

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway in Venice or wondering what to do with your family, the Rialto Bridge should be on your itinerary.

History of the Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge was built to provide access to the Rialto Market and to connect the San Marco and San Polo districts. It is the oldest bridge over the Canal Grande. The bridge in its current form dates back to 1591, but its history goes back much further.

It was originally a pontoon bridge built in 1181, which was replaced by a wooden structure in 1255. It was damaged by fire during a riot in 1310 and then collapsed twice – the first time in 1444 under the weight of people using it as a lookout point for a regatta, and then again in 1524.

The bridge as we know it today is the result of decades of proposals by famous architects who competed to design a sturdy replacement for the wooden stone bridge. Among the architects who participated in the competition were Michaelangelo and Palladio, an architect best known today for his impressive country villas.

Accommodation near the Rialto bridge?

In the end, Antonio da Ponte’s design was chosen, similar to the previous wooden bridge, and construction of the new marble bridge began in 1588. It was opened in 1591 and was the only place to cross the Grand Canal on foot until the construction of the Accademia Bridge in 1854. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice.

There are many shops on the Rialto Bridge, most of them selling luxury goods such as jewelry, watches or Murano glass. There were shops on the first wooden bridge in 1250; at that time the city financed the maintenance of the bridge from the rent of the rooms.

Fun fact: The rent for about 16m² on the bridge (8m² ground floor, 8m² first floor) is about 5,000 euros/month.

Do you want to discover Venice on your own?

Discovering Venice on your own can be an exciting and rewarding experience. A travel book will be a valuable resource where to look up historical and cultural information, as well as practical information and language tips.

Here you can find my personal recommendations on the best Venice travel guides:

Why is the Rialto Bridge in Venice so famous?

The location of the Rialto Bridge makes it possible to capture the splendid atmosphere of the sunset over the Grand Canal in the southwest; the reddish sky and the last rays of the sun are reflected on the water, illuminating the bright palaces along the canal with a warm light. Venice is certainly not lacking in romantic atmosphere, but the city is even more beautiful at sunset.

Some technical details about the Ponte di Rialto

One of the most impressive features of the Rialto Bridge is its construction. The bridge is held together by a series of interlocking stones and a unique system of dovetail joints, which allowed the structure to withstand the weight of heavy traffic and the forces of the Grand Canal.

The Rialto Bridge has a single span with a height of 7.5 meters and a width of 22 meters. The bridge is supported by two ramps leading to a central portico with three arches. The portico is lined with shops and the arches are decorated with statues of St. Mark, St. Theodore and the Annunciation.

The architecture of the Rialto Bridge is also notable for its elegance and simplicity. The design of the bridge is characterized by clean lines and a sense of symmetry, creating a harmonious and pleasing appearance. The use of Istrian stone also gives the bridge a warm and inviting appearance, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Where is the Rialto Bridge located in Venice?

A walk across the Rialto Bridge is at the top of the list of romantic things to do in Venice, as it offers a beautiful view of the Grand Canal and numerous small souvenir shops.

If you’re wondering how to get to the Rialto Bridge, there are several options. You can walk north from St. Mark’s Square through the quaint streets of the city to the Grand Canal – you can’t miss the Rialto Bridge! Or take a water bus and get off at the Rialto Bridge stop. Get your camera ready for one of Venice’s most breathtaking sights… The Rialto Bridge is one of the best photo opportunities in Venice!

Fondaco dei Tedeschi

The luxury shopping center on the Grand Canal, in an ancient thirteenth-century palace, offers not only three floors of priceless brand-name goods in the middle of the oldest part of Venice, but also a free visit to the roof terrace with breathtaking views of the canal and the Rialto Bridge. However, this is only possible with prior booking: 15-minute slots are offered from 10:30 to 18:30.

Tip: Book two slots in a row. You can show both bookings at the first control, so that you stay on the roof terrace during the "shift change" and are not sent back to the waiting hall. That way you have the terrace for a minute or two just for you and your photos; tripods have been allowed, by the way.

The name suggests that the building served as a settlement for German-speaking merchants and craftsmen in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance; even the Fuggers had a trading post here. Today, the premises still have signs and coats of arms of various merchants engraved on columns, shelves, windows, walls, facades and plinths to claim the space for themselves.

Beware of the tourist traps in Venice

Venice is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. No wonder tourists flock there to experience it for themselves. But what are the biggest tourist traps in Venice and how can you avoid falling into them?

Here are some other things to look out for.

Things to know about the Rialto Bridge

Here are some numbers and trivia to learn more about the Rialto Bridge:

• The Rialto Bridge is 28 meters long and 22 meters wide; the average height above the water is 7.5 meters.
• From 1591 until 1854 (when the Accademia Bridge was completed), the Rialto Bridge was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot.
• The design of the bridge was considered daring, but it turned out to be very successful: no maintenance was needed for over a century. The first restoration was carried out in 1738.
• There are 24 shops on the Rialto Bridge, 12 on each side.
• There are three pedestrian crossings: a central one, about 10 meters wide; two lateral ones, about 3 meters wide.
• To cross the bridge you have to climb 80 to 120 steps, depending on which passage you use and where you come from.
• The bas-reliefs that decorate the bridge include a man with a third leg and a woman crouching over the flames. According to Venetian legend, they represent two merchants who opposed the construction of the bridge because they were skeptical about its ability to bear weight.
• The bas-reliefs depicting St. Mark and St. Theodore are by Tiziano Aspetti, a 16th century Venetian sculptor who was very active in Venice.
• The name Rialto comes from the Latin “Rivus altus”, which can be translated into Italian as “deep canal”: this expression was probably used to indicate that the area was free from flooding.

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