Rialto Bridge

In 1524 ideas for a new bridge were submitted by people including Sansovino, Palladio, and Michelangelo. No plan was chosen until 1588 when municipal architect Antonio da Ponte was awarded the commission (Michelangelo had died in 1564).

The current bridge was designed as a permanent replacement for three wooden bridges that had spanned the Grand Canal at various times since the 12th Century and the boats that carried people across the canal. The Rialto Bridge was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot until the Accademia Bridge was built in 1854.

The Rialto Bridge was designed to allow passage of ships and boats beneath. It is said that is it built on 12,000 wooden pilings that still support the bridge today.

St Mark and Theodore are a common theme in Venice. On the Fondaco dei Tedeschi side of the Rialto Bridge you will find the carved figures of St. Mark and St. Theodore.