Italy : Tours and Excursion

Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is an enclosed limestone bridge in Venice that connects the Doge's Palace to the New Prison. Built in 1602 by Antonio Contino, it was named after the supposed sighs of prisoners getting their last view of Venice before imprisonment.

History & Origins

Commissioned by Doge Marino Grimani, the bridge was constructed between 1600-1602 to provide a secure route for transferring prisoners from interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace to the new prison cells across the canal. The bridge's designer, Antonio Contino, was nephew of Antonio da Ponte who designed the Rialto Bridge.

The bridge's name was coined much later, in the 19th century, by Lord Byron in his poem 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage'. The romantic notion that prisoners would sigh at their last view of Venice through the stone-grilled windows is likely exaggerated, as most prisoners were common criminals rather than political prisoners.

The bridge's construction coincided with Venice's judicial reforms that separated detention areas from interrogation rooms. This was part of a broader movement toward more humane treatment of prisoners during the Renaissance.

Architecture & Features

The 11-meter long bridge is made of white Istrian stone with two narrow corridors separated by a wall. The exterior features Baroque-style decorations with sculpted masks, while the interior is plain stone with small rectangular windows covered by stone bars.

The bridge's enclosed design was intentional to prevent escapes and protect prisoners from public view during transfers. The two separate passageways allowed for simultaneous prisoner movement in both directions without contact.

Legends & Facts

Contrary to legend, Casanova was not among the prisoners who crossed this bridge - he escaped from the old prisons before this bridge was built. The bridge inspired similar structures worldwide, including at Oxford University and in Cambridge. Local superstition says couples will enjoy eternal love if they kiss under the bridge at sunset on a gondola.

Tourist Tips

The best exterior views are from Ponte della Paglia. For interior access, join a Doge's Palace tour. Sunset provides dramatic lighting on the white stone. The bridge is illuminated beautifully at night.

Nearby

• Doge's Palace - Venice's Gothic-style seat of government
• St. Mark's Basilica - Byzantine cathedral with golden mosaics
• Campanile - Bell tower with panoramic city views
• Correr Museum - Venetian art and history museum
• Piazza San Marco - Venice's principal public square

Practical FAQ for Travelers

Can you walk across the bridge?

Only as part of a Doge's Palace tour, not independently.

What's the best photo spot?

From Ponte della Paglia or a gondola in the canal below.

When was it built?

Completed in 1602 during the Baroque period.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

No, access requires stairs and narrow passages.

Are guided tours available?

Included in Doge's Palace tours, but no separate tours.

Best time for photos?

Morning light illuminates the east facade best.