Cheap Hotels in Venice

Rialto Bridge Venice

The Rialto Bridge Venice is one of the city’s great landmarks. Venice has four bridges that span the Grand Canal with the Rialto being the oldest and most famous.

The first bridge to be built in Venice was in 1811 and was a pontoon bridge built by Nicolo Barattieri.  As Venice grew in wealth and population the increased foot traffic across the floating bridge became a concern. By the year 1255 the pontoon bridge was replaced by a more studier wooden bridge. The new bridge was constructed in a way as to allow tall ships through its moveable central piece. Also with the construction of a solid bridge shops were built along the bridges sides. Rent from the shops also helped pay towards the maintenance of the bridge.

Even with revenue from the shops money was still needed for repairs and general upkeep of the bridge. Over the years the wooden bridge was damaged by fire and the weight of the crowd it held. In 1444 a large crowd had gathered on and along the bridge to watch a boat parade before it collapsed. Almost 100 years later in 1524 the bridge collapsed again under the feet of its people. A new stone bridge had first been proposed in 1503. But for several decades plans were submitted and then overturned. Even the plans of Michelangelo were not thought suitable.

Finally in the year 1588 a design was accepted by the architect Antonio da Ponte. Work began in the same year on the stone bridge. The bridge did however have its doubters including the famous architect Vincenzo Scamozzi who predicted a short future for the Rialto Bridge.

The stone bridge was of a similar design that of the wooden bridge it was to replace. Two inclined ramps lead up to a central portico with a line shops on each side. The stone arch bridge spans over the Grand Canal for a length of 28.80 meters. The Rialto Bridge defied all its critics, and stands today as a monument of vision.

Many of Venice’s visitors today head straight for the Rialto Bridge to view a true iconic structure. There can also be found in this area close to the Rialto Bridge many cheap hotels in Venice.