Navigating The Rialto Bridge : Answers to common questions
- Admission Fee: No admission fee to visit the bridge.
- How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend 1-2 hours at the bridge.
- Washrooms: Public washrooms available nearby.
- Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours a day for visitors.
- Important Information: Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Handicap Accessible: Not handicap accessible due to stairs.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed on the bridge.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours available for an additional fee.
- Restaurant or Cafe: Several restaurants and cafes in the area.
- Gift Shop: Gift shops selling local souvenirs.
- Parking: Limited parking available nearby.
- Family Friendly: Family-friendly attraction with beautiful views.
- Photography: Great spot for photography enthusiasts.
- WIFI: Limited WIFI access in nearby cafes.
- Picnic Area: No designated picnic area on the bridge.
Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.
The Rialto Bridge that spans the Grand Canal in Venice is famous for several things. First, you can shop there as it is lined with small shops (their rent and taxes contributing to the upkeep of the bridge). At its ends, you can stare down upon the waterway traffic below, water taxis, water-busses, gondolas and commercial traffic. And then there are the lovers; nobody can guess the number of marriage proposals that have occurred on the romantic Rialto Bridge.
The oldest and still functioning of the four main bridges that cross the Grand Canal, Rialto is designed for pedestrian traffic only. In Italian it is Ponte di Rialto, and it began as a pontoon bridge in the 12th century. But fires destroyed it, and it was rebuilt — using wood — and a 1310 fire all but wiped it out. Venetian officials decided then next incarnation should be of stone, and among others, Michelangelo was one of the architects.
During the Renaissance, the bridge was started in 1558 and completed in 1591, with one major central arch high enough for almost any boat traffic (of the time) to pass through. It is 48 metres (157 feet) long, 23 metres (75 feet) wide, and has a clearance under the main single arch of 7.5 metres (24 feet). But what matters to visitors is its staggering beauty, detail and romanticism.
More in our list of Things To Do In Venice
;Venice Current Weather
Local Temp: 3.2℃ / 37.8℉
High: 3.9℃ / 39℉
Low: 1.7℃ / 35.1℉
Humidity: 76 %
Map for The Rialto Bridge
Did You Know?
The current stone bridge, designed by Antonio da Ponte, was completed in 1591 after three years of construction. Its design was considered so bold and audacious at the time that many predicted it would collapse. Yet, it has stood the test of time, becoming a symbol of architectural and engineering prowess.
The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice's most famous and iconic landmarks, spanning the Grand Canal in the heart of the city. It is the oldest of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal, serving as a vital pedestrian crossing and a major tourist attraction.
The bridge is lined with shops, continuing a tradition that dates back to the retail stalls on the earlier wooden bridges. These shops, which historically sold precious metals, now offer a variety of goods, from souvenirs to jewelry, maintaining the bridge's longstanding commercial significance.
The Rialto Bridge features a single span arch made of Istrian stone, measuring 22.90 meters (75.1 feet) in width and 7.32 meters (24 feet) in height. This design was revolutionary for its time and contributed to the bridge's durability and iconic status.
Originally, a pontoon bridge was the first crossing at this site, built in 1173 to provide access to the Rialto Market on the eastern bank. As the Rialto Market grew into an important business and financial center, the need for a more permanent structure became apparent.
Travel Information for
Venice Visitors
Time Zone: Venice operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
Weather: Venice has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are warm and humid with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F), while winters are cold with temperatures averaging around 3°C (37°F). Acqua alta (high water) is a phenomenon that causes flooding in Venice, typically occurring in autumn and winter.
Population: Venice has a population of about 260,000 residents. However, this number is steadily decreasing due to various factors, including rising living costs and flooding issues.
Size: The city covers an area of about 414.6 square kilometers (160.1 square miles), including both the lagoon and the historical city.
Language: Italian is the official language. Venetian, a distinct dialect of Italian, is also widely spoken. English is commonly used in tourist areas.
Currency: Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always useful to have cash for smaller shops and restaurants.
Safety: Venice is generally safe for tourists. However, like in any major tourist destination, it's wise to be cautious of pickpockets and scams targeting tourists.
Tipping: Tipping in Venice is not obligatory, but it's appreciated. In restaurants, it’s customary to leave a small tip (around 5-10%) if the service is good.
Electricity and Plugs: Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs, and the standard voltage is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. Travelers from countries with different standards will need adapters.
Water: Tap water in Venice is safe to drink. In fact, it's known for being high quality.
Verified & Trusted Contact Information for The Rialto Bridge
Address:
Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Latitude: 45.4384
Longitude: 12.3359
More Places and Things To Do in Venice Within 500 km/300 mi of The Rialto Bridge
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Distance from The Rialto Bridge to The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is 0.9 KM / 0.6 MI
The Dorsoduro neighborhood
The Distance from The Rialto Bridge to The Dorsoduro neighborhood is 1.1 KM / 0.7 MI
