Rialto Bridge, Venice travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

A bridge that spans the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy is known as the The Rialto Bridge (Italian: Ponte di Rialto) and is a landmark in Venice and marks the center of the city. It is the oldest bridge across the canal and probably the most famous in the city. The bridge is located approximately half-way along the canal at the point where it makes a virtual 90 degree turn around the San Polo district.

This bridge, designed by Antonio da Ponte, was constructed between 1588 and 1591 and until the wooden Academia Bridge was constructed in 1854 the Rialto was the only link to the two sides of the Grand Canal by foot. The bridge possesses a single 24 foot arch. It comprises two covered platforms which join a central portico at a steep angle. The entire structure is supported by more than 12,000 wooden pilings. The bridge has defied its critics to become one of the architectural icons of Venice. The stunning Rialto Bridge has three walkways, two along the outside railings and a wider central walkway that leads between rows of small shops. From the outer walkways you have a beautiful view of the Grand Canal which is the ideal spot to take some photos and watch the tour boats go up and down the canal.