The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most iconic symbols of Venice. It is located just a few steps from St. Mark’s Square and connects the Doge’s Palace to the ancient prisons.
The Bridge of Sighs certainly does not go unnoticed, as thousands of tourists crowd the nearby Ponte della Paglia every day to admire its architectural magnificence. Only a few, however, notice the sculpture of the Drunken Noah on one of the corners of the building. In this guide, we will show you not only all the essential information, but also the curiosities and legends surrounding the most imitated and photographed bridge in the world.
The lover's Bridge
Most people take a photo or a selfie with the Bridge of Sighs in the background because it is considered one of the most romantic places in Venice. For this reason, it is also known as the Bridge of Love or the Lovers’ Bridge. Countless gondolas pass beneath it every day, offering a unique perspective over the lagoon.
Why is the Bridge of Sighs called that?
We are used to thinking of it as “the lovers’ bridge,” but the reason behind its name is actually very different. The bridge was built to connect the prisons with the Doge’s Palace. All prisoners had to cross this narrow passageway to receive their final sentence, which could condemn them to a harsh fate. Through the small windows, perhaps for the last time, they could look out – sighing – at the sea and the breathtaking view of the lagoon.
It has nothing to do with lovers, then. What was the Bridge of Sighs used for? It served as a passageway for detainees, prisoners, and people taken in for interrogation (and torture).
Curiosities and legends
According to popular tradition, the name Bridge of Sighs was first used by the English poet Lord Byron, who lived in Venice for several years due to debts and scandals that forced him to leave England.
The old prisons were terrifying. They were called “the Leads” because they were in direct contact with the roof, which was made of lead. This made the prison cells unbearably hot in summer and freezing cold in winter.
The history of the Bridge of Sighs
In 1577, a devastating fire damaged the Doge’s Palace, making it necessary to create a new prison system, which remained in use until 1919.
In the early 17th century, Doge Marino Grimani ordered the construction of a new bridge to connect the prison with the halls of justice and the magistrates’ chambers. The project was entrusted to the architect Antonio Contin, who chose to use white Istrian stone and adopted an extraordinary Baroque style.
The bridge is completely enclosed and made up of two separate but very narrow corridors. The structure was designed to prevent any possible escape. The only person to successfully escape from the prisons of Venice was Giacomo Casanova, who was arrested in 1757 for immorality and anti-religious ideas. He escaped on October 31, 1756, and his story soon became a book.
Art and curiosities
On the corner of the Doge’s Palace, visible from Ponte della Paglia, you can see a striking sculpture depicting Drunken Noah clinging to a vine. Noah, now elderly, is accompanied by his three sons: the first two attempt to cover their father’s nakedness, while the third openly displays his indignation.
The sculpture was created by Filippo Calendario, who focused on the moral aspect of the biblical story. What matters is not so much Noah’s indecent figure or his unworthy behavior, but rather the reaction of his sons.
The sculpture was most likely placed in that exact position to remind everyone of the importance of mercy and forgiveness over easy judgment. All the sculptures on the corner of the Doge’s Palace facing the Bridge of Sighs appear to be connected by themes related to justice:
- The Judgment of Solomon – the king is shown receiving help from Divine Wisdom in delivering his sentence;
- Adam and Eve – expelled from Eden by the Archangel Gabriel, symbolizing the inflexible judgment of God;
- The Drunkenness of Noah – representing mercy and forgiveness within God’s judgment.
How can you visit the Bridge of Sighs?
The most famous viewpoint is the one photographed by thousands of people every day from Ponte della Paglia, which connects St. Mark’s Square with Riva degli Schiavoni.
This spot is always crowded with tourists, as it is the quickest and most affordable way to take a souvenir photo of the Bridge of Sighs. Alternatively, you can choose the rear view by crossing the bridge located near Fondamenta della Canonica.
How to cross the Bridge of Sighs? From the Doge’s Palace
The question most visitors ask when they see this bridge is: can you actually go inside the Bridge of Sighs? Is there a tour?
You can walk through the bridge from the inside only by joining the Doge’s Palace tour. This allows you to admire the same evocative view once seen through the barred windows by prisoners waiting for their sentence. From here, you can also enjoy views of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore and Giudecca Island, Venice.
The Bridge of Sighs – copies around the world
Many architects have been inspired by the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. For this reason, you can find a “copy” in New York, connecting two buildings of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Tower, a structure inspired by St. Mark’s Campanile.
In Lima, the capital of Peru, the “Puente de Los Suspiros” was built in 1876 in one of the city’s most romantic and atmospheric neighborhoods. In Great Britain, there are even two copies. The first is the Bridge of Sighs in Oxford, very similar to the Rialto Bridge, while the second is located in Cambridge, at St. John’s College.
How to get to the Bridge of Sighs
To reach the Bridge of Sighs, you need to get to St. Mark’s Square. From Piazzale Roma, you can take ACTV waterbus lines 1 or 2, with boats running approximately every 10 minutes. We always buy the vaporetto ticket online, as the price is fixed and it allows us to avoid queues at ticket offices.
We recommend purchasing the daily ticket. It costs €20 and allows you to take the vaporetto as many times as you like, moving freely around Venice all day without restrictions.
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