The Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the four bridges that crosses the Grand Canal. It is located in the same area of the city market, and its exact location has always hosted a canal crossing, first formed by boats and later with a wooden bridge consisting of two inclined ramps with a movable section in the middle that allowed the passage of ships.

The current Rialto Bridge, of stone with a single arch, was built based on a project of Antonio da Ponte between 1588 and 1591. The construction proved to be difficult due to the instability and depth of the Grand Canal's bed. The structure, very similar to that of the previous wooden bridge, consists of two inclined ramps with commercial activities on both sides, covered by a portico.

Back when Venice was a maritime power, large merchant ships from many countries stopped here to conclude important business negotiations. Today the Rialto Bridge is one of the main tourist destinations of the city: today there are still fish, fruit and vegetable markets.