An outstanding example of the collection of Venetian bridges – “Bridge of Sighs” – is wildly popular among travelers. Even a person who has never been to Italy could see him in numerous photographs flashing on the Internet. And if you happened to visit the famous city on the water, then not to capture yourself and your loved ones against the backdrop of an outstanding architectural monument or not to swim under it in a gondola is the greatest omission.
Bridge construction history
The famous baroque bridge was designed and built under the careful supervision of the architect Antonio Contino. The young creator was the nephew of his more eminent uncle Antonio da Ponte, who designed the Rialto Bridge connecting the banks of the Grand Canal. Equally gifted, they helped each other design their masterpieces. The implementation of Contino's ambitious project took two years, starting in 1600. Beautiful from the outside, the object was built with a practical purpose – to connect the Doge's Palace and the old prison with new dungeons on the other side of the canal.
Legends of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice
There are many legends about how the world-famous building received such a sublime and “delicious” name from a tourist point of view, but two are most often heard among the local population.
According to the first legend, the sighs mentioned in the title belong to hopeless criminals sentenced to death. A small covered bridge connects the magnificent Doge's Chambers, the abode of the city's rulers and the place of execution of justice, with a damp, dark and dirty dungeon on the other side of the canal, called the “new prison”. Before being imprisoned, the criminals and traitors of Italy ended up in the Doge's Palace, where they were given a ruthless sentence. Then they were escorted to the other side of the canal, allowing one last breath of fresh air through the tiny windows before finding themselves in a terrible and gloomy place where only a few could survive until the day of execution without catching a terrible infection and retaining their sanity.
Crossing the small bridge, the prisoners sighed languidly, turning their eyes to the beloved city, knowing that they could no longer admire its beautiful views. This legend is slightly undermined by a well-known historical fact, which claims that the death penalty was abolished by the time the bridge was built, and only petty thieves and swindlers were kept in the dungeons, who did not need to sigh dramatically before going to jail.
The second legend is much lighter and more pleasant. It tells about couples in love and their languid sighs under the bridge. After all, Venice is a famous abode of love. And that is why the “Bridge of Sighs” inevitably attracts hundreds of romantically inclined visitors. Or maybe it's because of the bizarre design, which from afar looks a bit like a wedding cake. It is believed that if lovers swim under the bridge in a gondola at sunset to the sound of the bells of St. Mark's Cathedral and kiss at that moment, they are guaranteed eternal happiness and great love. It is not so easy to implement all the points, because it is almost impossible to catch the magic ringing, and therefore love couples just ride and kiss to the songs of the gondoliers, enjoying a pleasant walk.
An interesting fact – the famous hero-lover Giacomo Casanova was captivated by the Venetian authorities and also experienced the dubious happiness of crossing the bridge. But his farewell sigh came out not so farewell – after 15 months of imprisonment, a familiar monk helped a passionate lover of the fair sex to leave the dark casemates.
Modern Bridge of Sighs
The most beautiful “Bridge of Sighs” rises high above the “Rio di Palazzo” canal, being a striking representative of the “Baroque” architectural style. It is made of white natural stone and rises as much as 11 meters. If you look a little closer, you can see amazing details in the design, including twenty carved faces (mascarons) located on the lower part of the arch. In 17th century Italy, mascarons were often used to decorate facades. Unlike creepy gargoyles, they could be comical, sad, or neutral. So sad, angry and one smiling face are depicted on the “bridge of sighs”.
Those who happened to admire the wonderful bridge only in photographs will have to experience considerable surprise when they are inside. The exterior of the building is very modest and gloomy. And since dozens of prisoners have long passed along it, there are two separate passages on the bridge, which were made so that criminals and respectable citizens do not intersect with each other.
Gaining fame among those struck by the arrow of Cupid, the small bridge attracted the attention of architects around the world. Traveling through the cities of America, England or Canada, you will easily notice familiar features in local buildings. Even in Russian St. Petersburg there is a similar architectural structure – an unnamed bridge across the Kryukov Canal. The amazing bridge inspired not only architects and builders, but also other creators. So, for example, the gloomy writer Edgar Allan Poe mentioned him in his short story, and Mikhail Alexandrovich Vrubel depicted a memorable place on one of the canvases. Contemporary artists also turn to such a colorful Venetian creation. Guitarist and vocalist Robin Trover named an entire album after the bridge, in which he dedicated the song of the same name to it.
The best photos are obtained from two points: Ponte de la Canonica from the north side and Ponte della Paglia from the south.
Where is the bridge and how to get to it
Address: Piazza San Marco 1, 30100
It is not difficult to get to it on foot if you walk along the famous square, or use the vaporetto (water bus) service, getting off at the San Zaccaria or Vallaresso stops. It would be best to admire the bridge from the outside, as tourists are allowed inside only by prior order at a prearranged time, or as part of a tourist group, as part of an excursion program.