Bridge · Italy · Restored

Rialto Bridge

Ponte di Rialto

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges crossing Venice's Grand Canal, linking the sestieri of San Marco and San Polo. The present single-span stone bridge, completed in 1591 to a design by Antonio da Ponte, carries two steep ramps and a central pedimented portico, with covered ramps lined by shops on either side.

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Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

First raised

1588

Its prime

1591

Today

Restored

As it stood in 1591

What Rialto Bridge looked like in its prime.

A single wide stone arch of pale, finely worked masonry spans the Grand Canal, its two symmetrical ramps rising to a central pedimented portico. Covered ramps along both sides show repeating arched shop openings recessed into the stone wall. A low balustraded parapet runs along the ramps and crown. Relief panels are set into the façades near the ramp bases. The bridge fills the canal view, light catching the pale stone against the darker canal water.

Step inside

7 places to explore in 1591.

The record describes 7 distinct spots at Rialto Bridge, including 1 interior: covered ramp arcade with shops. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more photos, more angles and more of the immersive experience.

Approach from the Grand CanalUnder the arch, looking through to the side canalSouth façade: Annunciation reliefNorth façade: patron saints reliefsTop of the ramp and balustradeCovered ramp arcade with shopsCentral portico and crown

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