Overview:

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most iconic bridges in Venice, Italy. It is a white stone arch bridge located between the Doge’s Palace and the Prigioni Nuove (New Prison). Its name comes from the sound of the prisoners sighing as they were taken across the bridge from the courtroom to the prison cell. It is also known as the Bridge of Love due to its romantic setting. The bridge offers stunning views of the Grand Canal and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Italy
Prominent Features:

1. An enclosed bridge in Venice, Italy, the Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace to the New Prison. 2. It is made of white limestone and has stone bars on its windows. 3. Legend holds that prisoners, upon taking a last look at Venice after being sentenced, would sigh at the beauty of the city as they crossed the bridge. 4. It has become an iconic symbol of Venice, inspiring numerous works of art and poetry. 5. The bridge is architecturally beautiful, with a pair of overlapping marble arches suspended over the Rio di Palazzo. 6. The enclosed space of the bridge helped keep the bridge cool in the summer heat and warm and damp in the winter. 7. Its enclosed sides also served a practical purpose of preventing prisoners from escaping or committing suicide. 8. The bridge was built in 1602 by Antonio Contino and reportedly designed by the legendary architect, Antonio da Ponte. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Italy.

History:

The Bridge of Sighs is a famous white limestone bridge spanning the Rio Malpaga or Rio della lastra Canal in Venice, Italy. It was designed by Italian architect Antonio Contino and completed in 1600. The bridge connects the Palazzo Ducale and the Prigioni Nuove - both of which were used as prisons by the Venetian government. The bridge is known in part for its views of the Venice lagoon and its role in Renaissance literature. In particular, it is referenced as a poetic symbol of sorrow or of young love in works by the likes of Lord Byron and Robert Browning. Throughout its centuries-old existence, the bridge’s name hasn’t been settled. It was originally known as the Bridge of Tears, as convicted prisoners were known to weep as they crossed it. This title was later replaced by the Bridge of Sighs - a romanticized interpretation of the bridge’s purpose in its time. The structure is the subject of a great number of legends, many of which involve couples who would sneak across the bridge to steal a few moments away from watchful eyes. It is also said that the Venetian government purposefully erected the bridge so that the passing of prisoners between the two prisons would be hidden from public view. As the bridge was a form of major transportation in its time, the nobility of the area was said to have enjoyed their maximum privacy possible while crossing. In 1867, the Austro-Hungarian empire took over possession of the bridge and turned it into a debtors’ prison. It was further restored in the 1920s and was opened to the public in 1890. Today, the Bridge of Sighs remains one of Venice’s most photographed landmarks. It also continues to serve as a romantic metaphor in many works of literature, poetry, and films. Visit one of the famous monuments of Italy with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Bridge of Sighs in Venice is one of the most famous and romantic bridges in the world. 2. It was designed by Italian architect Antonio Ponte in the early 17th century. 3. The structure is made of white limestone and has bell-shaped windows, and arched openings. 4. It connects the two prisons, the Doge’s Palace and the new prison on the other side of the canal. 5. The prisoners would catch their last glimpse of freedom through the tiny windows, giving the bridge it’s name. 6. Legend has it that it is possible to make a wish for everlasting love if someone kisses under the bridge with the eyes closed. 7. The bridge is now a popular tourist destination and attracts thousands of visitors every year. One of the historical monuments of Italy, it tells the story of a bygone era