Ponte di Rialto

The Ponte di Rialto is the oldest bridge that crossed Venice´s Grand Canal and, for that, it´s the most famous in the city.

 

This bridge, being the oldest, is also the one with the most history because it was remodeled and rebuilt various times in the same place. Its first construction was of wood to unite two very busy areas of the city. The market was on one side and the buyers on the other so that, with its construction, they started a flow of business that favoured the city.

 

But because the bridge was made out of wood, it needed a lot of maintenance and wasn´t strong. In 1444 this bridge collapsed for excess weight: in the city a ship show was taking place and a crowd gathered on top of the bridge to see the show better. But other incidents had already happened

 

It it was in the 16th century when the governors decided to rebuild the bridge but, this time, out of stone. Since then the bridge looks just like it does today.

 

The Ponte di Rialto is a city icon and you can´t not cross it. Rent apartments in Venice and don´t miss this or any other of the city´s famous bridges.