Visiting the Rialto Bridge
Spanning the Grand Canal at its narrowest point, measuring 48 metres across in the city of Venice, the Rialto Bridge remains a central landmark of the City of the Doges. As the oldest and most famous bridge dating back to the 14th century, it takes its name from the surrounding neighborhood and connects the sestieri (city districts) of San Polo on the right bank and San Marco on the left bank.
The first bridge of the Grand Canal
For a long time, it was the only way for Venetians to cross to the other side of the Grand Canal. Three other bridges have since been built: the Accademia Bridge, the Scalzi Bridge, and the Constitution Bridge. Once the hub of the Rialto exchange, it played a key role in developing the Venetian commercial fleet and arsenal. After collapsing in 1444, it was rebuilt first in wood and later in Istrian stone, gaining two rows of retail shops. An architectural feat by Antonio Da Ponte, who won the design competition against heavyweights like Michelangelo, Sansovino, and Palladio, its single arch rises 7.5 metres high and rests on 12,000 timber pilings. Vulnerable over time, it suffered another partial collapse in 2011 that damaged 140 columns supporting the balustrade. The restoration work, estimated between $5.70 and $7.90* million, was funded by the clothing brand Diesel in exchange for advertising space.
A spot to do your shopping
Over time, the original goldsmiths gave way to souvenir shops. Because the bridge draws millions of visitors exploring Venice, try visiting in the early morning or late at night. From Monday to Saturday and Tuesday to Saturday, running from 5am to 12:30pm and 13:00, a bustling fish and produce market takes over the area.
Passing underneath the Rialto Bridge in a gondola offers a totally different viewpoint that is well worth taking in.
Visiting and discovering Venice as a couple, especially when your wife is pregnant with your first child, believe me, it is priceless. I was impatient to get up on the Rialto Bridge, and I was not disappointed by the superb view that was offered to me. I do regret the large number of tourists, however, and even more so the number of souvenir shops. Not very authentic feeling. I admit I preferred getting lost in the streets of Venice rather than lingering in the Rialto neighborhood, which I still recommend visiting once in your life.