The Bridge of Sighs is among the top popular spots for visiting romantic Venice in Italy. Antonio Contino designed the arch-shaped bridge in the Baroque style.
They started to build it in 1600 and opened the bridge in 1602.
The bridge was constructed 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 prison. This is why the bridge of signs has a roof and walls—they ensure security, not allowing anyone to escape after the court in Venice.
They say the bridge got its name because prisoners who were going to the execution were passing this bridge with sighs, taking the last breaths of freedom.
However, 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 a gondola, their love will live forever.
This version sounds more optimistic 🙂 And many couples follow this nice tradition 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 when the Doge Palace served as premises for court hearings.
After the judge’s decision was announced, the criminal was accompanied to prison, which was reached by crossing the bridge of Sighs between the two buildings.
Most 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 prisoner looked through the narrow window and signed. Some people also call this bridge the bridge of the last signs.
The prison in Venice was one of the first prisons built to keep prisoners. Grey and gloomy prison was sometimes a complex challenge for many people.
The Bridge of Signs in Venice is also known as a place with a 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 first look at the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, you probably will not associate this beautiful piece of architecture with the sad events connected with its history.
The 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, which took 2 years to finish.
The most peculiar feature of the Bridge of Sighs is that this is a closed construction with high side walls and a roof.
These unique features make the Bridge of Sighs a closed crossing from one building to another.
The reason for this design was simple: to keep the prisoners inside and not allow them to escape after the court hearing.
They say the only person who managed to escape the prison in Venice was Giacomo Kasanova.
The Bridge of Sighs in Venice is just 11 meters wide. It is the only closed bridge with 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 city’s most fascinating facts, and the bridge is one such place.
Today, it also serves as a backdrop for romantic photo sessions of couples and for those who came here to explore Venice.
A Legend That Continues
Romantic myths surround this bridge, making it one of the most photographed spots in Venice. A popular belief suggests that couples who share a kiss beneath it at sunset while drifting in a gondola will secure eternal love.
The reality of its past may be far less romantic, but the view it offers remains undeniably beautiful. Whether the legend is true, the bridge’s presence adds an enchanting element to any Venetian visit.
The Best Views and When to Visit
Timing is everything if you want to capture the bridge at its best. Early mornings or late evenings are ideal, as the crowds have not yet gathered, and the light casts a warm glow over the water.
The most iconic view is from the Ponte della Paglia, a nearby bridge that offers the perfect angle.
For those eager to experience it from within, a visit to the Doge’s Palace will allow you to walk the passage that once carried prisoners to their fate.
What is the best time to visit the Bridge of Sighs?
If you would like to take nice pictures and avoid crowds of tourists, it’s better to plan a trip to the bridge in advance and in the first half of the day.
Of course, Venice has fewer tourists during the low season, and this is the best time to explore and enjoy such locations.
The summer season and the period of Carnival are the busiest periods when too many tourists arrive in Venice.
Since Venice is located in a relatively small area, tourists are everywhere—in the shops, cafes, squares, and near the tourist sites.
The Bridge of Sighs is one 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 the evening before sunset. These are the best times 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 tour the Dodge Palace.
You will join one of the tours, learn more about the history of this place, and see for yourself how it looks inside.
The tours start with the 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 most of the bridge and take good images is from the neighboring bridge.
You can observe the Bridge of Sighs of Venice from the bridges of Canonica or Paglia, which are next to Saint Mark’s Square.
You can also 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 can enjoy the trip.
The Bridge of Signs in Venice is one of the most interesting places to visit during your trip to Italy.
Exploring Beyond the Bridge
Venice is a city of countless wonders, and the Bridge of Sighs is only the beginning. The Doge’s Palace, with its grand halls and stunning artwork, is a must-visit. Just steps away, St. Mark’s Basilica and the lively Piazza San Marco invite exploration.
The Grand Canal, winding through the city, offers endless opportunities for discovery. If you continue past the bridge, quiet alleys and hidden squares reveal a more intimate side of Venice.
Hidden Details of the Bridge’s Design
Although small, the Bridge of Sighs carries subtle details that often go unnoticed. The stone reliefs carved into the facade depict faces of sorrow and justice, reinforcing the bridge’s original purpose.
The dimly lit passage features two separate corridors, ensuring prisoners were kept apart as they moved between the palace and the prison.
These architectural choices, though practical at the time, now contribute to the bridge’s mystique.
Other Bridges of Sighs Around the World
Venice’s Bridge of Sighs has inspired replicas in various cities worldwide. In Oxford, England, a similar structure spans New College Lane, though it is purely decorative.
Cambridge also has its version at St. John’s College. Beyond Europe, Lima, Peru, boasts the Puente de los Suspiros, a wooden bridge that shares its name but has a different history.
Despite their differences, each bridge carries a sense of nostalgia, just like its Venetian counterpart.
A Symbol of Venice’s Eternal Allure
Despite its somber past, the Bridge of Sighs has become a symbol of Venice’s timeless beauty. It represents a city that has inspired poets, painters, and travelers for centuries.
When you stand before it, whether on foot or from a boat gliding beneath its arch, you are witnessing a piece of history that continues to stir the imagination. And for many, that sigh it was named for will not be one of despair but of admiration.
FAQs
Why is it called the Bridge of Sighs?
The name originates from the idea that prisoners crossing the bridge would sigh as they caught their last glimpse of Venice before being taken to their cells or executed. Lord Byron popularized the term in the 19th century.
Can you walk inside the Bridge of Sighs?
Yes, visitors can walk through the bridge as part of a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace. The tour includes access to the interrogation rooms and the connected prison cells, giving you a rare glimpse of the bridge’s interior.
What is the best time to see the Bridge of Sighs?
Early morning or late evening is ideal for viewing the bridge with fewer crowds. For those looking for a romantic experience, a gondola ride at sunset provides a stunning perspective of the bridge’s intricate details.
Are there other bridges like the Bridge of Sighs?
Yes, similar bridges exist in Oxford and Cambridge in the UK and Lima, Peru. While inspired by Venice’s Bridge of Sighs, these structures have different histories and functions.
What is the historical significance of the Bridge of Sighs?
Built in the early 17th century, the bridge was a passageway connecting the Doge’s Palace to the prison. It played a crucial role in Venice’s justice system, transporting prisoners from the courtroom to their confinement.