Venice, Italy Attractions

Bridge of Sighs

Designed by Antonio Contino in the early 17th century, the Bridge of Sighs was created to connect the Old Prison and interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace to the New Prison directly across the river. The 36 foot wide Bridge of Sighs is made of white limestone, and incorporates many sculptures depicting sad or angry faces, which are visible as you go under the bridge on a gondola ride.
It is unclear whether the bridge earned its name based upon the “sighs” of prisoners crossing the bridge before being locked up, or the “sighs” of lovers overwhelmed by the romantic setting.