10 Venice’s Best Bridges

Did you know that… more than 350 bridges connect the 118 islands that make up Venice? That’s why Venice is famous for its network of bridges and narrow streets, which give the city a very unique atmosphere. Some of the bridges you’ll discover in this post are steeped in history and beauty, and offer views that are well worth photographing.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the four oldest bridges in Venice (built in the 16th century). It is one of the most interesting monuments to see in Venice; moreover, it is the central point of both the city and the Grand Canal.

This bridge was built between 1588 and 1591, taking just three years to complete. The Rialto Bridge replaced four bridges that stood there previously and was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot until 1854, when the Accademia Bridge was built.

You’ll see that it’s a stone arch bridge spanning the narrowest part of the Grand Canal. It has long been regarded as a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and engineering. If you look closely, you’ll see that there are up to 6,000 wooden piles beneath each pillar, all designed to support the weight of the stone arch—which is what gives it that Baroque touch.

How to get to the Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is located in Venice’s San Polo district, connecting to San Marco. The “Rialto” vaporetto stop is right next to it, and the bridge is easily accessible on foot from almost anywhere in Venice. Wherever you go, signs will point you toward the Rialto. As a reference, it’s about a ten-minute walk from St. Mark’s.

Of course, if you’re at Venice Airport or another location far from the city center, you can take the bus lines (4L, 5, 6, 6L, 7E, 8E). You can also get there by train on lines (R, RV), or even by vaporetto along the Grand Canal on lines (1 and 2).

• Address: Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venice, Italy.
• Recommendation: Here’s a post on how to get around Venice that will undoubtedly be very helpful in understanding the different modes of transportation available.

Ponte dei Pugni, or Bridge of Fists, is another of Venice’s most famous bridges. This is because it was the site where, for years, two rival gangs—the Nicolotti and the Castellani—faced off, fighting with their fists.

Tradition also has it that the victors would throw the losers into the water, an action made easier by the fact that, until recently, the bridge had no railing. Fortunately, these fights were banned in 1705 due to their excessive violence.

In the case of the Ponte dei Pugni, its appeal is directly linked to its history, as you can still see markings on the bridge’s floor—signs that indicated where the two rivals should position themselves.

Near the Ponte dei Pugni, there’s a large boat selling fresh fruits and vegetables, a characteristic feature of the area. I’d also recommend taking a photo of the Indiana Jones Library, a very famous building.

How to get to the Ponte dei Pugni

The Ponte dei Pugni is a small bridge located in the Dorsoduro sestiere, halfway between Campo San Barnaba and Campo Santa Margherita. Personally, I recommend walking there, as the entire stroll is worth taking in at a leisurely pace. That said, if you want to shorten the distance, I suggest taking Venice vaporetto line 1.

• Address: 30123 Venice, Italy.

The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most important bridges. It was built in the early 17th century, and its name comes from the sighs heard from those crossing the bridge who were about to be imprisoned. This theory was popularized by Lord Byron, who mentioned it in some of his most famous writings, which also helped make the bridge famous.

It is a bridge just 11 meters long that once provided access to the palace’s old prisons. It features a very Baroque style, is white in color, and carries a great deal of historical significance. Now you know where to go if you want to relive the memories of the thousands of innocent prisoners during the long and harsh Inquisition.

How to get to the Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is located near St. Mark’s Square. To get there by train from Piazzale Roma, you can choose between the R or RV line and get off at the “Vallaresso” stop. If you prefer to take the vaporetto, you can disembark near the square using Line 1.

• Address: Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venice, Italy.

The Ponte degli Scalzi (Bridge of the Barefoot) is one of the four bridges in Venice that cross the Grand Canal. It was designed by Eugenio Miozzi and completed in 1934 to replace an Austrian iron bridge (all the iron bridges in Venice had been built by Austrians). The idea was to build something of their own design and clearly showcase Italy’s rise.

If you look closely at the bridge, it borrows the main features of the Rialto Bridge, except for the decorative lines and the fact that it is built of white stone. It is undoubtedly one of the bridges you should visit at night in Venice, as from here you can admire the illuminated cruise ships on the Grand Canal.

How to get to the Bridge of the Barefoot

The bridge connects the sestieri of Santa Croce and Cannaregio. North of the bridge are the Chiesa degli Scalzi (Church of the Barefoot Monks) and the Santa Lucia train station. To the south is the Piazzale Roma bus station. You can reach the bridge by taking bus lines 2, 4L, 5, 6, 6L, 7E, or 8E.

• Address: Ponte degli Scalzi, 30135 Venice, Italy.

Ponte dell'Accademia connects the San Marco district with Dorsoduro, where the Accademia Gallery is located. The bridge is known for offering the best views of Venice, as you can gaze upon the Grand Canal in both directions from a relatively high vantage point.

Best of all, you’ll notice a stark contrast compared to Venice’s other marble bridges, as this one was built of wood. Personally, even if you’re only in Venice for a single day, I’d recommend visiting this bridge, as it offers a more comprehensive view of the city’s layout.

Plus, near the bridge are some of the best spots for affordable dining in Venice.

How to get to the Academy Bridge

The bridge is located at the final bend of the S-shaped Grand Canal, just before the canal enters St. Mark’s Basin. I also recommend crossing the bridge if you’re heading from St. Mark’s Square to the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or the Church of Santa Maria della Salute.

The best way to reach the bridge is by vaporetto using lines 1 and 2. Bus lines 10A, 53E, 6, 6E, 6L, 7, 7E, and 8E are also useful if you’re looking to shorten your journey.

• Address: 30100 Venice, Italy.

The Ponte della Paglia (Straw Bridge) connects the Castello district with San Marco. It was originally built in 1360 and rebuilt during the 19th century.

Its name comes from the boats that used to tie up at the bridge while unloading straw to be transported to different areas. This activity was banned due to the risks involved. This famous bridge became an emblem for Italian painters, a detail that radically increased its popularity

Ponte della Paglia is the perfect spot to take a photo of the Bridge of Sighs, since it’s very close by—two birds with one stone!

How to get to the Ponte della Paglia

I would recommend following the route from the Bridge of Sighs to the Ponte della Paglia, given their proximity and the interesting path that connects them. That said, if you want to get directly to the bridge, I suggest taking the bus lines (10A, 24, 4L, 6, 6E, 6L) or the vaporetto lines (1 or 2).

• Address: Piazzetta San Marco, 30124 Venice, Italy.

Completed in 2008, the Calatrava Bridge was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It is the last of the four bridges crossing the Grand Canal; however, it must be said that it was a controversial addition due to its modern appearance, which contrasted with the city’s Renaissance style.

Venice’s modern bridge, officially named Ponte della Costituzione, serves a clear and important purpose: to connect the Santa Lucia train station with Piazzale Roma, thereby linking the only part of the city accessible by car.
It’s a great spot to watch the gondolas glide by—or even to take the plunge and hop on one yourself.

How to get to the Calatrava Bridge

The bridge is located 1.3 kilometers from the Rialto Bridge. Therefore, to reach the Calatrava Bridge, you can take a Grand Canal cruise or take vaporetto line 2.

By bus, the best option would be to take lines 6E or 7E.

• Address: Ponte della Costituzione, 30135 Venice, Italy.

The Ponte delle Guglie is one of the two bridges crossing the Cannaregio Canal, located at its western end, near where it joins the Grand Canal.

The bridge is near the Venezia Santa Lucia train station, not far from the Rialto Bridge. You’ll notice that the stone and brick bridge features highly ornamental decoration, including gargoyles on its arch.
It is also known as the "Bridge of the Spires" due to its metal spires (the only bridge in Venice with this feature).

How to get to the Bridge of the Spires

This bridge is just 1 kilometer from the Rialto Bridge, so you can easily walk there if you’re in the city center. You can also get off near the bridge if you take Line 1 of the Venice vaporetto.

• Address: 30121 Venice, Italy.

This bridge connects Italy to the islands that make up the city of Venice. The Ponte della Libertà used to be known as the Ponte Littorio. The bridge was inaugurated by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in 1933 and renamed after World War II to commemorate Italy’s liberation from fascism.

If you arrive at Venice Santa Lucia Station, you can see the bridge from the train window. It is a bridge that is 3,850 meters long! Nothing like the length of the bridges connecting the islands of Venice.

This bridge, more than just a place to visit, is a way to reach Venice from the city of Menestre; in other words, it is the walkway that will welcome you to this romantic city.

This bridge in San Polo has a long history, as it once connected to Venice’s nightlife district. It is a reddish bridge, short in length and strikingly distinctive.

To better understand the origin of the name, we must go back to the 15th century, when the Venetian government issued a decree allowing prostitutes to advertise their services by leaning out of their windows and exposing their breasts (all for the purpose of collecting taxes). It is this practice that ultimately gave the bridge its current name.

How to get to the Bridge of the Breasts

Personally, I recommend visiting the Bridge of the Breasts after seeing the famous Rialto Bridge, since it’s just 500 meters away. On the way, you’ll pass through Campo di San Silvestro and Rio de San Aponal.

• Address: Via San Cassiano, 30125 Venice, Italy.