The symbolic bridge of the lagoon city, and the oldest in the city, is the third project built on the Rialto site; but even before that, until the 12th century, passage was provided by a floating bridge called Quartarolo because the toll to cross it was 1 quartarolo, the currency of the time.

At the end of the 12th century the first Rialto Bridge was built to the design of engineer Nicolò Barattiero, who designed a wooden bridge called the Ponte della Moneta (Coin Bridge) because of its proximity to the State Mint, but in 1310 the Bridge was involved in a serious fire and was destroyed.
The second bridge was immediately built in the same way, adding the movable levatoia part for the passage of boats, but in 1444 it collapsed due to the weight of the people who had come to watch the water parade during the wedding of the Marquis of Ferrara. In 1450, the wooden bridge was already rebuilt, but was again destroyed by a Great fire that burned for six hours And damaged it irreparably.

Only in 1587 did construction begin on the third Rialto Bridge with a single arch 28 meters long, 22 meters wide and 7.5 meters high. It stands on two side platforms into which 12,000 wooden poles have been driven, and the white stone structure is divided into three flights of stairs separated by two rows of barrel-vaulted windows housing 24 stores.

The actual design signed by Antonio Da Ponte was an overly complex engineering job for the time, presenting itself in a single span that seemed difficult to achieve .
Small collapses often prevented the smooth progress of the work, and then there were the difficulties related to funds that began to run out as the cost gradually increased. Since the collapses always happened at night, Anthony decided to hide near the construction site to find out the cause, suspecting that there was an evil spell over the construction area.
At the sound of the bridge collapsing, he heard chilling laughter coming from behind him, and as he turned around, he saw a tall man covered in a long black cloak claiming that no human being would be able to build a bridge across the Grand Canal unless he was willing to pay a very high price.

Antonio, eager to finish the work, replied that he would give his soul, but the mystery man said he would like the soul of the first person to pass over the bridge when finished. The architect agreed; he needed to complete the work commissioned by the Serenissima in order to support his wife and their incoming firstborn son. As agreed, the bridge never collapsed again and was finished in 1590. Without forgetting the promise he had made, the architect had his workers bring in a rooster with the intention of releasing it on the bridge to allow him to cross it first, as the devil requested.
The devil, however, had no intention of being deceived by a human being, so he changed into a worker and ran to Antonio’s house, intending to warn his wife about an accident that had occurred to her husband on the bridge. The woman ran to the site and, after crossing the bridge, collapsed to the ground, losing her life. The devil not only took the soul of the first person to cross the bridge, but punished Antonio by taking the The devil not only took the soul of the first person to cross the bridge of the child in her womb as well.
From that day, the soul of the unbaptized child wandered on the bridge, and anyone passing over or underneath in a gondola heard crying and sneezing. Everyone was anxious knowing the story and hurried to finish the journey, until a gondolier replied ‘cheers’ to the sneeze of the child who, after thanking him, left the place, as if he needed a gesture of attention and compassion, which he never received because he was never born.
It seems, however, that the souls of the young woman and her child still wander the deck on cold winter nights.

The Scalzi Bridge is located in the western part of the city, crossing the Grand Canal and connecting the Santa Croce and Cannaregio districts. With its unique architecture and rich history, the Scalzi Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and an important landmark in Venice.

Construction of the Scalzi Bridge began in 1931 and was completed in 1934. The bridge was designed by renowned architect Eugenio Miozzi and is made of Istrian stone, a type of limestone found in the region. The bridge replaced an old wooden bridge built in the 16th century but which had deteriorated over time.

The name “Ponte degli Scalzi” comes from the nearby Church of the Discalced Carmelites. The Discalced Carmelites were a religious order that walked barefoot as a sign of humility. The bridge was named in their honor because of its proximity to the church.

The Scalzi Bridge is a single arch bridge 48 meters long and 9 meters wide. It is characterized by its elegant and harmonious design, which blends perfectly with the surrounding architecture of Venice. The bridge features balustrades decorated with white marble and decorative elements, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

As one of only four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, the Scalzi Bridge has great importance in the city’s transportation network. It serves as the main crosswalk, providing access to important sights and attractions on both sides of the canal. The bridge also offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and Venice’s picturesque cityscape.

The construction of the Scalzi Bridge was a major engineering feat, requiring careful planning and execution. The design had to take into account the difficult conditions of the Grand Canal, including strong currents and the weight of gondolas and boats passing through. The bridge was built using a combination of innovative techniques and traditional workmanship to ensure its durability and stability.

Over the years, the Scalzi Bridge has undergone several renovations to preserve its historical and architectural value. These renovations have aimed to maintain the bridge’s original design while ensuring its structural integrity. The most recent restoration took place in 2006, during which the bridge was cleaned, repaired, and strengthened.

Today, the Scalzi Bridge is not only an important transportation link but also a popular tourist destination. Visitors from all over the world come to admire its beauty and enjoy the panoramic views of the Grand Canal. The bridge is also a popular spot for photographers, artists and couples looking for romantic moments.

The Scalzi Bridge is not only an architectural gem but also a symbol of Venice’s rich history and cultural heritage. It represents a testament to the enduring spirit of the city and the craftsmanship of its builders. As visitors cross the bridge, they cannot help but be transported back in time, experiencing the charm and beauty of Venice.

In conclusion, the Scalzi Bridge is an extraordinary bridge that has great historical and cultural importance in Venice. With its elegant design, strategic location, and breathtaking views, it continues to captivate residents and tourists alike. The bridge represents a reminder of Venice’s past while remaining an integral part of its present. Whether for transportation or leisurely walks, the Scalzi Bridge will forever be a treasured icon of the city.

The Accademia Bridge is one of the most iconic places in Venice, Italy. This historic bridge connects the sestieri of Dorsoduro and San Marco and serves as a key pedestrian passageway over the Grand Canal. With its beautiful design and rich history, the Accademia Bridge attracts both residents and tourists. In this article we will explore the fascinating history of the Accademia Bridge, highlighting its construction, architectural features and importance in the city of Venice.

The idea of building a bridge at the site of today’s Accademia Bridge dates back to the early 19th century. During this period, Venice experienced significant architectural transformations, which necessitated the connection between the city’s different neighborhoods. Before the construction of the Accademia Bridge, the only bridges over the Grand Canal were the Rialto Bridge and the Scalzi Bridge.

In 1841, Giuseppe Balducci, an engineer, was commissioned to design a bridge connecting the Accademia Galleries, located in the Dorsoduro sestiere, with the Church of Santa Maria della Carità in the San Marco sestiere. Balducci’s initial design called for five arches and featured a central portico adorned with statues and elaborate decorations. However, due to financial and technical challenges, Balducci’s project was never implemented.

In later years, several other engineers tried to design a bridge for the Academy area. Countless proposals were made, including designs by eminent architects such as Eugene Bourdel and Alfred Neville. Unfortunately, none of these plans materialized, leaving Venice without the much-needed bridge in this central location.

To temporarily address the problem of connectivity between the sestieri of Dorsoduro and San Marco, a wooden bridge was built in 1932. This temporary structure, known as the “Temporary Footbridge,” served as a walkway and lasted nearly 60 years. Despite its temporariness, the temporary Catwalk played a significant role in the urban landscape of Venice and became an integral part of the city’s identity.

As the temporary wooden bridge deteriorated over time, plans for a permanent replacement took hold in the last decades of the 20th century. In 1984, the City of Venice launched an international competition called “Astride” to encourage architects and engineers to submit their designs for a new bridge in the Accademia area. This competition attracted numerous participants, and the jury eventually selected the winning design submitted by the architectural firm Studio Passerotti – Traverso.

After the winning design was selected, construction work on the new Accademia Bridge began in 1985. The modern bridge was designed by engineers Antonio D’Este and Eugenio Miozzi in collaboration with Studio Passerotti – Traverso. The construction process posed numerous challenges due to the unstable nature of the Grand Canal bottom and the need to ensure the stability of the bridge.

The Accademia Bridge is a single-arch bridge composed of a steel and concrete structure. It spans approximately 48 meters and stands at a height of 9.9 meters. The bridge’s distinctive arch and elegant design blend beautifully with the surrounding Venetian architecture, making it a visually striking landmark in the city.

After years of waiting and construction work, the Accademia Bridge was finally opened in 1985. The new bridge quickly became popular with residents and tourists, serving as a bustling hub of activity and an essential link between the dynamic sestieri of Dorsoduro and San Marco.

The Accademia Bridge plays a vital role in the urban fabric of Venice, connecting two significant neighborhoods and providing easy access to places of interest such as the Accademia Galleries and the Church of Santa Maria della Carità. Its location also offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and serves as a great vantage point for capturing the beauty of Venice.

The Accademia Bridge represents a testament to Venice’s architectural heritage and ingenuity. From its conception in the early 19th century to its construction in the 20th century, the bridge represents the perseverance and dedication of the Venetian people. Today, it serves as a beloved and iconic symbol of Venice, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and grasp its historical significance.

The Calatrava Bridge in Venice is an architectural masterpiece that shows the fusion of modern design with the city’s rich history. Designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this magnificent bridge was completed in 2008 and has quickly become a popular landmark in Venice.

The Calatrava Bridge, often called the Constitution Bridge, was built to connect the Santa Lucia train station to the bustling Piazzale Roma. With its sleek and contemporary design, it adds a modern touch to the city’s traditional Venetian architecture.

The inspiration behind the design of the Calatrava Bridge comes from the grandeur of Venice itself. The bridge’s steel structure, reminiscent of the city’s historic gondolas, features an elegant curve that adds a sense of harmony to the surrounding landscape. Glass steps and transparent balustrades give the illusion of lightness, allowing pedestrians to enjoy splendid views of the bustling Grand Canal as they cross from side to side.

Thanks to its unique design, the Calatrava Bridge has not only become an important transportation link but also a symbol of innovation and progress. It has brought a fresh perspective to the city’s architectural scene, attracting visitors from all over the world eager to admire this modern marvel.