Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge indicates that the magnificent Venice, completely surrounded by water, bears the name of the city of bridges for a reason. There are more than 400 transport structures hanging over more than a hundred canals. But this was not always the case; for a long time, the inhabitants of the ancient city moved between the islands on boats tied together. The Rialto is considered the very first and oldest bridge across the canal; it is a symbol of Venice.

History of creation

In the 12th century, it was decided to build a bridge across the Grand Canal. The location was chosen near the narrowest point of the canal, where the center of trade was located with traders coming from all countries. The Rialto Bridge was originally a pontoon structure named Ponte della Moneta after the nearby Mint. The people of Venice liked the implemented idea, and the bridge served well for hundreds of years.

After this, it was replaced with a more durable and convenient wooden bridge. Along with the change in material, the bridge received a different name: Rialto, and all thanks to the nearby market. Small shops were installed on a more solid structure, the owners of which had to pay taxes, which were used to maintain the monumental structure at that time. But the Rialto Bridge did not last long. In 1310, the engineering marvel burned down during an uprising. It was restored with a little more. But in 1444, it could not bear the weight of everyone who wanted to watch the regatta being held in the canal and collapsed into the water, killing onlookers. According to another version, the bridge could not withstand the influx of people wanting to see the wife of the Marquis of Ferrara. The bridge was restored again.

Features of the Rialto Bridge

Almost 100 years later, history repeated itself. The main cause of the tragedy was the use of a short-lived tree that was constantly in the water. So in the middle of the 16th century, Venice had to think about building a stronger crossing. A competition was announced for the best design of the Rialto Bridge. Such masters as Michelangelo and Jacopo Sansovino took part in it, but the victory was won by the unknown architect Antonio de Ponto. His vision of the bridge almost completely copied the very first above-water structure, but was distinguished by the durability of the stone supports. Local residents did not really trust the new building, promising each other another collapse. But they were completely wrong: the bridge passed all the tests with honor and stands to this day, proudly towering above the water.

Brief description

Today the Rialto Bridge is one of the most popular attractions in Venice. The length of the bridge stretches 48 meters, its width is 22 meters. Half of the bridge, as before, is occupied by small shops, but the prices in them are much higher than in the rest of Venice. To build the bridge, about 12,000 piles were driven into the bottom of the canal, on which two openwork vaults were located, which seem almost weightless thanks to the white marble facing and bas-reliefs. The Rialto observation deck allows you to admire the ancient city, gondolas and quite modern ships sailing underneath.