Rialto Bridge
Bridge in Venice, Italy
About
The Rialto Bridge (Italian: Ponte di Rialto; Venetian: Ponte de Rialto) is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Connecting the sestieri (districts) of San Marco and San Polo, it has been rebuilt several times since its first construction as a pontoon bridge in 1173, and is now a significant tourist attraction in the city.
The present stone bridge is a single span designed by Antonio da Ponte. Construction began in 1588 and was completed in 1591. It is similar to the wooden bridge it succeeded. Two ramps lead up to a central portico. On either side of the portico, the covered ramps carry rows of shops. The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious that architect Vincenzo Scamozzi predicted future ruin. The bridge has defied its critics to become one of the architectural icons, and top tourist attractions, in Venice.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
Venice
City in Veneto, Italy
330 ft away
Procuratie
Three connected buildings along Saint Mark's Square in Venice
0.2 mi away
Piazza San Marco
Square in Venice, Italy
0.3 mi away
Teatro San Cassiano
Opera house in Venice, Italy
0.2 mi away
Ca' d'Oro
Palace and art gallery in Venice, Italy
0.2 mi away
St Mark's Clocktower
Renaissance clock tower in Venice, Italy
0.2 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
Finding places to eat…
Traveler reviews
Tickets & tours
Tickets and tours for Rialto Bridge
We may earn a commission from some of these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Facts and photos from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA), maps © OpenStreetMap contributors, weather from Open-Meteo. Huginn’s tips are AI-written — check prices, hours and entry rules before you go.