Rialto Bridge

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Rialto Bridge, Stone arch footbridge in San Marco, Venice, Italy

Rialto Bridge crosses the Grand Canal with a single stone arch measuring 48 meters in length, linking San Marco to San Polo. The covered ramps rise on both sides and meet beneath a central passageway flanked by shop arcades.

The current stone bridge began construction in 1588 following designs by Antonio da Ponte, replacing earlier wooden structures. Completion came in 1591, ending decades of debate over materials and design for the crossing.

The name Rialto comes from „Rivo Alto

Crossing happens on foot via stone steps that rise from both sides of the canal and converge at the center. Early morning or late evening offers less crowding, while midday and afternoon tend to be busy.

The foundations rest on roughly 6000 wooden piles driven deep into the canal bed to distribute weight across the soft subsoil. This pile foundation was a technical achievement for the period and continues to secure stability today.

Location: Venice

Inception: 1588

Architects: Antonio da Ponte

Official opening: 1591

Height: 7.32 m

Length: 48 m

Longest Span: 31.8 m

Width: 22.1 m

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 45.43801,12.33564

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41

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