Venice, Italy Attractions

Rialto Bridge and Marketplace

The Rialto Bridge was opened in 1591, and is the most beautiful and famous of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal in Venice. Formed by two inclined ramps, the Rialto Bridge was covered by a portico with a marketplace filled with shops and people.
The arch of the Rialto Bridge is taller than most, standing at 24 feet high, allowing passage for large galley ships passing under the bridge in days past. Three earlier bridges in this location were constructed of wood before the existing Rialto Bridge was constructed of stone.