The Rialto Bridge (; ) is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Connecting the ' (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.

History

The first dry crossing of the Grand Canal was a pontoon bridge built in 1181 by Nicolò Barattieri. It was called the Ponte della Moneta, presumably because of the mint that stood near its eastern entrance.

The development and importance of the Rialto market on the eastern bank increased traffic on the floating bridge, so it was replaced in 1255 by a wooden bridge.

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Rialto Bridge at night2.jpg|Night view

Rialto Gondoliers.jpg|Gondoliers row past a row of gondolas on the Grand Canal near Rialto Bridge

Ponte di Rialto Canal Grande Venezia Rilievo San Marco.jpg|Detail of the relief of St. Mark on the bridge

View of the Rialto Bridge in Venice.jpg|A view of the bridge from an untitled 16th century Italian print

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See also

  • Miracle of the Relic of the Cross at the Ponte di Rialto (depiction of wooden bridge)
  • List of buildings and structures in Venice
  • Ponte Vecchio
  • Krämerbrücke
  • Pulteney Bridge

References

Further reading

  • Satellite image from Google Maps
  • Rialto Bridge

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