Bridge of Sighs and Gondola in Venice Italy

Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Italy

Bridge of Sighs

Venice, Italy

The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment

The Walkway to the Prison

The Bridge of Sighs connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.

The bridge’s English name was given by Lord Byron, in the 19th century, as a translation from the Italian “Ponte dei sospiri”, from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells.

Google Maps Location

Visiting the Bridge of Sighs

Useful Information

Location/Waterbus

Location: About 1 minute’s walk from St Mark’s Square.

Waterbus stop: San Marco (Vallaresso)/San Marco Giardinetti

Tickets & Tours

The Bridge of Sighs is free to view from outside (location map) but crossing the bridge is only available through Doge’s palace tours – listed below

Doge’s Palace skip-the-line ticket. This is by far the most popular ticket for the Doge’s Palace and includes crossing the Bridge of Sighs.

St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Bridge of Sighs. With this ticket you have the option to select what you want from Basilica, Doge’s Palace and if you want a guided tour.

Gondola Tour through the Bridge of Sighs. Definitely one for the romantics, this Gondola tour takes you through the Bridge and St Mark’s Basin.

About the Bridge of Sighs

20 Carved Faces

The Bridge is Baroque and is made of white Istrian stone, spans around 11 meters or 36 feet. The Bridge has over 20 faces carved along the bridge’s lower arch. It is renowned as an architectural and engineering achievement of the Renaissance.

Designers

The Bridge of Sighs was designed and built by Antonio da Ponte and his nephew, Antonio Contino, following a design competition in the city. It was built in 1600.

Bridge Kisses

It’s said that if a couple in a gondola kisses as they pass under the bridge at sunset while the bells of St. Mark’s toll, their love will last forever.

Inside the Bridge of Sighs

The interior of the Bridge is a stark contrast to the beauty of the exterior.

Inside you will find a double passageway separated by a wall. The idea was that prisoners could pass in each passage/corridor unable to see or speak to the other prisoners.

Tip For Visiting

A Busy Location

In high season and at other peak times, the bridge from which you view the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte della Paglia) on the waterfront Riva degli Schiavoni walkway, can be very busy. Always worth viewing earlier in the morning or later in the day.

At Carnevale

When the Venice Carnival is taking place, you may see people dressed in traditional Carnevale costumes here and around the Doge’s Palace and Piazzetta San Marco, very early in the morning, while photographers take their pictures.

B&B in San Marco

Bed & Breakfast in San Marco

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Hotels in San Marco

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Apartments in San Marco

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Always double check to ensure the property is in the correct location and suitable for your requirements

Tours & Activities

Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs Guided Tour

Tour Duration: 1.5 to 3 hrs
Tour Rating: 4.5/5

Skip the line ticket to Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace with your guide
Admire the basilica’s marvelous golden mosaics and learn about its art
Discover the magnificent halls of power of the Doge’s Palace
Cross the Bridge of Sighs to visit the Piombi Prisons
Continue to explore Venice afterward with an included audioguide

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Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour

Tour Duration: 2.5 to 5 hrs
Tour Rating: 4.4/5

Enjoy priority entrance to the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica
See the impressive halls of Sala del Maggior Consiglio
Walk over the Bridge of Sights
See the Museum and the Terrace of the Basilica of St.Mark’s

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Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

Tour Duration: 3 hrs
Tour Rating: 4.7/5

Immerse yourself in the history of the Venice with the help of your expert local guide
Priority entrance for the Doge’s Palace

Cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs
Choose from a private or shared group experience
See Venice’s Lagoon from the usually off-limits terrace at St. Mark’s Basilica

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