The Venice Bridge of Sighs: everything you need to know

With more than 400 bridges crossing the canals of Venice, the Bridge of Sighs should be on your list. Although it has a dark history of being used to transport prisoners, today it is one of the most romantic places in Venice. In fact, there is even a famous tradition associated with this bridge.

I invite you to learn about this tradition, discover the secrets surrounding this bridge, enjoy the views it offers, and contemplate the architectural and artistic aspects of this construction.

The Bridge of Sighs is not open to the air like the other bridges in Venice, but runs along the rear façade of the Doge's Palace. It appears to be a kind of enclosed tunnel connecting an old Inquisition prison with the palace, which is why the only way to cross the bridge and walk through it is to book a ticket to the Doge's Palace.

On the walk across the Bridge of Sighs to the prisons, you will walk along the same route and enjoy the same views as prisoners did centuries ago. You will also notice that the bridge's walkway is divided into two parts and separated by a wall. This was done so that prisoners walking in opposite directions could never see or pass each other.

I recommend visiting the interior of the bridge both during the day and at night, as the view changes completely. Both the temperature inside and the views from the bridge windows are very different at both times of day.

Called the Ponte dei Sospiri by locals, this iconic Venetian monument was built in 1600 and connects the Doge's Palace with the historic prison on the other side of the canal.

It must be said that the history of the bridge is somewhat dark. Initially, prisoners who were tried in Venice were held in the underground prison chambers within the Doge's Palace. However, as the number of prisoners grew, the prison was expanded to a building across the canal called the New Prison, and the Bridge of Sighs was built primarily to transport prisoners directly from their trial to their cells.

According to legend, the bridge's name comes from the sighs of prisoners who crossed the bridge on their way to their prison cells or the execution chamber, catching a last glimpse of Venice's beauty through the small windows. However, the bridge became a symbolic monument of Venice when the acclaimed Romantic poet Lord Byron mentioned it in his 1812 book Childe Harold's Pilgrimage.

The easiest way to see the Bridge of Sighs from the outside is by stepping onto one of the neighbouring bridges. The easiest to reach is the Paglia Bridge next to St. Mark's Square and just behind the Doge's Palace. Even though it is one of the busiest bridges in Venice, I would recommend going there, as the light comes in from behind and perfectly illuminates the Bridge of Sighs. Just what you need for a high-quality photograph!

The other option is the Canonica Bridge, a much less popular bridge that is not located on one of the city's main streets. From this spot, not only can you admire the Bridge of Sighs without other tourists pushing you impatiently, but you can also get a photo of the lagoon behind the bridge. A perfect combination!

If you feel like treating yourself, then the most luxurious way to get a view of the bridge is to book a gondola ride. They are a bit expensive, but you can pass directly under the bridge and take mental or actual photos whenever you want and from whatever angle you like.

Gondola trip prices

• During the day, a half-hour trip costs 80 euros. For each additional twenty minutes, you will have to pay an extra 40 euros.
• At night, you will pay €100 for a 40-minute trip and €50 for each additional twenty minutes.
• Without a doubt, the most economical way would be to share the experience with other tourists or friends.
• For more information, I recommend this post on gondola prices.

Venice is always full of tourists, and the Bridge of Sighs is one of the most popular monuments in Venice. Ideally, you should visit the bridge during the low season (i.e. any month except June, July, and August) in Venice, when the city welcomes relatively fewer tourists. This way, not only will you be able to visit the interior of the bridge and admire it from a distance without anyone getting in your way, but you will also be able to book a guided tour of Venice with greater peace of mind and comfort.

Of course, if you go to Venice in July, August, or during the Venice Carnival season, you will have no choice but to visit the bridge at less busy times (when there are fewer tourists inside). I recommend going early in the morning (between 8:30 and 11:00) or in the afternoon/evening (between 6:00 and 8:00), as the bridge is not usually very busy at these late hours.

Remember that the Bridge of Sighs is one of the most photographed places in the city. If you just want to take a photo from the outside, then the time of day doesn't matter much. However, from experience, the best time for a souvenir photo is between an hour and 30 minutes before sunset. And if it's from a point of equal height or lower, so much the better.

This beautiful bridge hangs over the Rio Palazzo canal, is about 11 metres high and is made of beautiful white Istrian marble. If you look at this building more closely, you will notice twenty mask heads.

The highly ornamental bridge is also made of white limestone, a material typical of most buildings constructed in Venice during the Renaissance. The architect Antonio Contino was the nephew and apprentice of Antonio da Ponte, who designed Venice's most famous overpass, the Rialto Bridge. Interesting, isn't it?

The arched bridge is not open-air like most of the city's bridges, and it only has two small rectangular lattice windows. Therefore, the interior of the bridge can only be visited if you have access to the Doge's Palace. The bridge has a walkway that is divided into two parts, each with the same surface area as the other. Not a centimetre more! The influence of the perfection sown by the Renaissance is evident.

Of course, you can see the Bridge of Sighs at any time of day, as it is located in a very visible area and is well lit at night. On the other hand, if you want to go inside and look out from the interior walkways of the bridge, there is no need to worry, as it is open **from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, it is closed **to the public on 25 December, 1 January and 6 January.

When it comes to ticket prices, there is a slight distinction to be made. Some people can enter for free, while others have to pay an entrance fee of around €10 per person. Remember that there is no visit to the bridge alone, as you have to enter the Doge's Palace to get to the bridge.

• Free admission: This applies to residents of Venice, ICOM members, disabled persons with a companion, licensed guides and interpreters, and children up to five years of age.
• €10 admission: For all other cases.

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most beautiful bridges in Venice. Depending on where you are, you will have to choose one route or another to reach the famous Bridge of Sighs. However, knowing how to get around Venice is key to saving time and money.

• From Piazzale Roma, the best way to get there is by vaporetto. In this case, I recommend line 1 with a stop at Vallaresso, line 2 with a stop at Giardinetti or lines (5.1 or 4.1) stopping at San Zaccaria.
• From Venice Santa Lucia train station, the best option is to take the vaporetto. I recommend line 1, stopping at San Zacaria, or line 2, stopping at Giardinetti.
• From Venice Lido, you can take vaporetto line 1 to Vallaresso or line 5.2 to San Zaccaria.

Today, the bridge is associated with a different legend, which says that if a couple kisses on a gondola ride at sunset under the bridge, they will be granted eternal love. What's more, the typical image of two lovers riding a gondola at sunset is nothing more and nothing less than a simulation of sailing under this bridge. Does this sound familiar?

What's more, if you go out at sunset in Venice and head towards the bridge, you will see how most couples follow this tradition, some even joining in when it is already dark in Venice. A tradition that is now part of Italian culture.

Of course, in the past, not everyone associated the bridge with something romantic, but rather with something mournful and sad, as it served as a passageway for prisoners to enter their cells or be taken to their execution. Today, that idea is no longer considered. What's more, since the romantic poet Lord Byron began to dedicate writings to this iconic bridge, it didn't take long for the legend of sighs of suffering to be replaced by another in which the sighs were of happiness and love.