Walk on Historic Rialto Bridge Venice, a Photo Essay
Rialto Bridge – The iconic landmark of Venice! I walked on this iconic bridge several times when I was in Venice, actually six times. Memorable!
This is one of the four famous bridges over the Grand Canal of Venice. It is made of stone and previously called Ponte della Moneta, Ponte meaning bridge. It is believed that there were shrubs of mint at one of the entrances of the bridge, hence the name.
I blogged on two other bridges of Venice – Bridges of Sighs and Ponte Di Scalzi. This was the only major link between the two sides of Grand Canal in Venice until 1854, when Accademia Bridge was built.
Walk on Venice’s Historic Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge – a Structural Marvel of Stone
The bridge has a covered ramp with rows of shops on either side. Shops serve the practical purpose of providing structural strength to the bridge. The rows of covered arches that run up the center of the bridge and over the top provide strength to the entire structure. This eliminates the use of piers below and allows good clearance for the movement of the boats below.
Best time to walk on Venice’s historic Rialto Bridge is in the evening, the twilight hour. Lights come on then and the sun’s parting rays add magic to the scene.
Rialto Bridge, souvenir shops
Souvenir Shops line the Bridge
Inclined ramp on either side is lined with shops. The variety of souvenirs one can find in these shops is countless. Venetian masks make the shop facades so colorful. Each time I walked through the bridge I spent some time scanning the various knick-knacks there and picking up small souvenirs.
The tax from these shop owners is used for the maintenance of the bridge. The view of the busy traffic from the bridge is something that has to be frozen. 1000s of photographs are clicked here every day. I managed to get one without any traffic.
View from Rialto Bridge Venice without traffic.
Rialto Bridge Timeline
- First bridge – Ponte della Moneta – built in 1181
- It was pontoon bridge – meaning, it floats on water with boats and ships to support it.
- This was replaced by wooden bridge in 1255.
- Name changed to Rialto Bridge as it was located near Realto Market and was maintained with rent and taxes collected from market.
- Damaged in fire in 1310 due to violence during a political revolt then
- The bridge collapsed in 1444 under weight of crowd that gathered to watch the boat parade.
- It was rebuilt but collapsed again in 1524.
- Finally a single span design by Antonio da Ponte, Swiss-born Venetian architect and engineer, was approved.
- Construction began in 1588. It lasted until 1591.
Hotels near Rialto Bridge Venice
- La Finestra sulle Beccarie – Located within a few steps of Ca’ d’Oro
- Egò Boutique Hotel – Located 100 m from Rialto Bridge and 500 m from Piazza San Marco
- Scalon del Doge – This is located in a 13th century building faces the Grand Canal
- Al Ponte Antico – Overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal with views of the Rialto Bridge
- Casa Marco Polo – Located in San Marco district in Venice, close to Basilica San Marco
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This is so beautiful! This bridge is featured in Dan Brown’s “Inferno” if I remember right! I had all visualized it with the shops on either side!
Awesome pics
Wow! So imposing!
There’s a replica of the Rialto Bridge at The Venetian in Vegas (but without the shops.)
The shops-on-the-bridge is such an attractive idea.
It looks like you got lucky and the bridge wasn’t very crowded when you were there. There were so many people when I visited it was hard to even move!
What a great trip.
Awesome photos, what a beautiful place to visit.
Venice looks like an oddly magical place.
Venice is so beautiful, I would like to spend there a few days just to walk around
Looks very romantic 🙂
Thanks for the beautiful pictures of this bridge. I've heard of it of course, but I have not seen pictures of the shops or of the river without many boats in the water.
Hi Indrani! So, you made the whole Europe in one trip? ;)). I love Rialto, even when the sky isn't so friendly… 😉
Meanwhile, as I’m in the office, Blogtrotter Two is on the beach… Enjoy and have a great week!
So beautiful, Never heard of a bridge lined shop. Good shots!
You got some wonderful, quintessential shots of the Rialto Bridge—bet you had a great time in Venice!
Venice is such a photogenic city and this bridge proves it.
Lovely pictures – how did you manage to get one without any traffic.
That is one gorgeous bridge. You do it justice, talented lady!
Terrific shots.
Darryl and Ruth : )
Great photos, Indrani!
Thanks for sharing.
I would love to know Venice…
You've made «Louis» want to travel to Venice with your contribution to Sunday Bridges!
That photograph without any traffic.. *how* did you manage it?! Its beautiful.
I was initially disappointed by the Rialto, it wasn't what I'd expected and too crowded for my liking. I did like it after a while though.
Wow it's very Europe! Thanks for the virtual tour. Did you go gondola-riding too? 🙂
I have always wanted to visit Italy. Walking over the Rialto Bridge must have been fantastic!
Thanks for dropping by and wishing me a happy birthday the other day Indrani. I appreciated it very much.
An English Girl Rambles
Love all your photos of Venice! Especially the first shot of the lovely bridge 😀
This bridge is even more elaborate than the one I posted! Multi-purpose for a multi-tasking people: cross and shop.
Your view without traffic looks almost surreal!
Oh dear, the crowds ! The maddening crowds on the Rialto ! Thats the main thing that sticks in memory !
wow!! so many bridges.. and each one more interesting than the other! u really make me want to go there!