The Bridge of Sighs is among the top popular spots for tourists visiting romantic Venice in Italy. The bridge was designed by Antonio Contino in Baroque style. In shape the Bridge of Sighs is an arch.
They started to build it in 1600 and opened the bridge in 1602.
The purpose of constructing the bridge was to connect the old prison and the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.
After the court announced the sentence the imprisoned were taken to the prison. This is why the bridge of signs has a roof and the walls – they ensure the security, not allowing anyone escape after the court in Venice.
They say the bridge got its name due to the fact that prisoners, who were going to the execution, were passing this bridge with sighs, taking the last breaths of freedom.
Though there is a more positive story about this beautiful place – if a couple stops to kiss under the Bridge of Sighs during the sunset in gondola, their love will live for ever. This version sounds more optimistic 🙂 and many couples follow this nice traditions during gondola tours in Venice.
From the History of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice
The bridge of Signs or Ponte dei Sospiri was opened in the 17th century.
The purpose of constructing such a bridge was to connect the Doge Palace and the city prison.
This was the period of time when the Doge Palace served as premises for courts’ hearings.
After the decision of the judges was announced the criminal was accompanied to the prison and in order to get there he/she had to go through the bridge of Sighs between the two buildings.
Most of the court decisions were made to imprison the criminals for a maximum term.
This was the case when a person had to through the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, already aware that he would have to spend the rest of his life in prison.
With these thoughts the imprisoner would look via the narrow window and sign. Some people also call this bridge the bridge of the last sighs.
Prison in Venice was one of the first prisons built to keep prisoners. Grey and gloomy prison was sometimes a hard challenge for many people.
The bridge of signs in Venice is also known as a place, with sad history.
A lot of people who were imprisoned did not survive. In October and November, during the floods the lower levels of the prisons were filled with water and the prisoners died.
When you look for the first time at the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, you probably will not associate this beautiful piece of architecture with the sad events which are connected with its history.
Erection of the Bridge of Sighs through the channel dates back to the beginning of the 17th century.
In 1600 they started to build the construction and it took 2 years to finish it.
The most peculiar feature of the Bridge of Sighs is that this is a closed construction with high side walls and a roof.
These special features make the bridge of Sighs a sort of closed crossing from one building to another.
The reason for such design was simple – to keep the prisoners inside and not allow them escape after the courts hearing.
They say the only person who managed to escape the prison in Venice was Giacomo Kasanova.
The width of the bridge of sighs in Venice is just 11 meters. This is the only closed bridge which has walls and a roof.
Today the bridge of signs remains one of the most visited places in Venice.
People traveling to Venice want to discover the most fascinating facts about the city and the bridge is one of such places.
Also, today it serves as a background for romantic photosessions of couples and just for those, who came here to explore Venice.
What is the best time to visit the Bridge of Sighs?
If you would like to take nice pics and avoid crowds of tourists better to plan a trip to the bridge in advance and in the first half of the day.
During low season of course, there are less tourists in Venice, and this is the best time to explore and enjoy such locations.
Summer season and the period of Carnival are the most busy periods when too many tourists arrive in Venice.
Since Venice is located on a relatively small area you will be meeting tourists everywhere – in the shops, cafes, squares and near the tourist sites.
The Bridge of Sighs is of the most visited locations in Venice. People walk to the bridge and arrive by gondolas.
The best time to visit the bridge of sighs is early in the morning or in evening before the sunset. These by the way are also the best periods of time to take nice shots with natural soft light.
How to Visit the Bridge of Sighs
The only option to visit the bridge of signs is to take a tour in the Dodge Palace.
You will join one of the tours and find out more about the history of this place, and will be able to see by yourself how it looks inside.
The tours start with history of the Doge inside of the Palace.
Then you will proceed to the prison and will be able to cross the Bridge of Signs inside.
The best way to see the most of the bridge and to take good images is to do that from the other, neighboring bridge.
You observe the bridge of sighs of Venice from the bridge of Canonica, or from the bridge of Paglia, which is next to Saint Mark’s Square.
Also, you can take a gondola tour to see the best of the Bridge of Sighs. This way you will not be interrupted by too many people and will be able to enjoy the trip.
For sure, bridge of signs in Venice is one of the most interesting places to visit during your trip to Italy.