Rialto Bridge Italian:Ponte di Rialto | |
|---|---|
 Rialto Bridge crossing the Canal Grande | |
| Coordinates | 45°26′17″N12°20′10″E / 45.4380°N 12.3360°E /45.4380; 12.3360 |
| Carries | pedestrian bridge[1] |
| Crosses | Grand Canal |
| Locale | Venice,Veneto, Italy |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | stonearch bridge |
| Width | 22.90 metres (75.1 ft)[2] |
| Height | 7.32 metres (24.0 ft) (arch only) |
| Longest span | 31.80 metres (104.3 ft) |
| History | |
| Construction start | 1588; 437 years ago (1588) |
| Construction end | 1591; 434 years ago (1591) |
| Location | |
 Click the map for an interactive, fullscreen view | |
TheRialto Bridge (Italian:Ponte di Rialto;Venetian:Ponte de Rialto) is the oldest of the four bridges spanning theGrand Canal inVenice, Italy. Connecting thesestieri (districts) ofSan Marco andSan Polo, it has been rebuilt several times since its first construction as apontoon bridge in 1173, and is now a significant tourist attraction in the city.[3]
The present stone bridge is a single span designed byAntonio da Ponte. Construction began in 1588 and was completed in 1591.[3] It is similar to the wooden bridge it succeeded. Two ramps lead up to a centralportico. On either side of the portico, the covered ramps carry rows of shops. The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious that architectVincenzo Scamozzi predicted future ruin. The bridge has defied its critics to become one of the architectural icons, and top tourist attractions, in Venice.[4]
The first dry crossing of the Grand Canal was apontoon bridge built in 1181 byNicolò Barattieri. It was called the Ponte della Moneta, presumably because of the mint that stood near its eastern entrance.[5]
The development and importance of theRialto market on the eastern bank increased traffic on the floating bridge, so it was replaced in 1255 by a wooden bridge.[5] This structure had two ramps meeting at a movable central section, that could be raised to allow the passage of tall ships. The connection with the market eventually led to a change of name for the bridge. During the first half of the 15th century, two rows of shops were built along the sides of the bridge. The rents brought an income to the State Treasury, which helped maintain the bridge.
Maintenance was vital for the timber bridge. It was partly burnt in therevolt led byBajamonte Tiepolo in 1310. In 1444, it collapsed under the weight of a crowd rushing to see the marriage of theMarquis of Ferrara[3] and it collapsed again in 1524.
The idea of rebuilding the bridge instone was first proposed in 1503. Several projects were considered over the following decades. In 1551, the authorities requested proposals for the renewal of the Rialto Bridge, among other things. Plans were offered by famous architects, such asJacopo Sansovino,Palladio andVignola, but all involved aClassical approach with several arches, which was judged inappropriate to the situation.Michelangelo also was considered as designer of the bridge.[3]
It was calledShylock's bridge inRobert Browning's poem "A Toccata of Galuppi's". This is likely because Shylock references the bridge in Act I Scene III ofThe Merchant of Venice, speaking toAntonio (The Merchant of Venice): "Many a time and oft, In the Rialto you have rated me".[6]
There being no vehicles or horses in Venice, it is simply for pedestrians.
The Italian police announced on Thursday that they had dismantled a suspected jihadist cell whose members had discussed blowing up the Rialto Bridge, one of the top tourist attractions in Venice
Rialto Bridge travel guide from Wikivoyage| Preceded by Il Redentore | Venice landmarks Rialto Bridge | Succeeded by San Giorgio Maggiore |
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