Navigating The Rialto Bridge : Answers to common questions
- Washrooms: Public washrooms available nearby.
- Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours a day for visitors.
- Important Information: Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Admission Fee: No admission fee to visit the bridge.
- How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend 1-2 hours at the bridge.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Did You Know These Facts About The Rialto Bridge ?
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.
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 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.
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.
Currency Exchange Rates for Italy1 EUR = 1.0808 $ USD
1 EUR = 1.549 $ CAD
1 EUR = 0.8362 £ GBP
1 EUR = 162.4991 ¥ JPY
1 EUR = 0.9542 ₣ CHF
1 EUR = 7.8498 元CNY
1 EUR = 8.4003 圓 HKD
1 EUR = 1.7202 $ AUD
1 EUR = 1.8882 $ NZD
1 EUR = 1.549 $ CAD
1 EUR = 0.8362 £ GBP
1 EUR = 162.4991 ¥ JPY
1 EUR = 0.9542 ₣ CHF
1 EUR = 7.8498 元CNY
1 EUR = 8.4003 圓 HKD
1 EUR = 1.7202 $ AUD
1 EUR = 1.8882 $ NZD
NOTE: Exchange rates are an average currency exchange rate from several sources. These rates are not buy or sell rates which will depend on when and where you buy or sell currency.
Verified & Trusted Contact Information for The Rialto Bridge
Address:
Rialto Bridge, 30125 Venice, Italy
Website: N/A
Latitude: 45.4384
Longitude: 12.3359
Map for The Rialto Bridge
Venice Current Weather
Local Temp: 9.7℃ / 49.5℉
High: 9.7℃ / 49.5℉
Low: 9.7℃ / 49.5℉
Humidity: 92 %
More Places and Things To Do in Venice Within 25 kilometers/15 miles of The Rialto Bridge
St. Mark's Square
The Distance from The Rialto Bridge to St. Mark's Square is 0.5 Kilometers / 0.3 Miles
The Venice Carnival
The Distance from The Rialto Bridge to The Venice Carnival is 0.5 Kilometers / 0.3 Miles
St. Mark's Basilica
The Distance from The Rialto Bridge to St. Mark's Basilica is 0.5 Kilometers / 0.3 Miles
Teatro La Fenice
The Distance from The Rialto Bridge to Teatro La Fenice is 0.6 Kilometers / 0.4 Miles
The Venetian Ghetto
The Distance from The Rialto Bridge to The Venetian Ghetto is 0.6 Kilometers / 0.4 Miles
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Distance from The Rialto Bridge to The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is 0.9 Kilometers / 0.6 Miles
The Dorsoduro neighborhood
The Distance from The Rialto Bridge to The Dorsoduro neighborhood is 1.1 Kilometers / 0.7 Miles
The Murano Glass Museum
The Distance from The Rialto Bridge to The Murano Glass Museum is 2.6 Kilometers / 1.6 Miles
