Photo: Venetian Bridge Pont Di Rialto Grand Canal Venice

The Venetian bridge Ponte di Rialto as seen from a Gondola on the Grand Canal in Venice, Veneto in Italy.

The Venetian Rialto Bridge in Venice, Veneto in Italy is the oldest of the three bridges crossing the Grand Canal. The very first bridge was built on pontoons in 1181, it was probably necessary because it linked the Mint to the western side of the Canal. This bridge was appropriately named Ponte della Moneta.

In 1250, the amount of business the Rialto market was generating on the east bank warranted the building of a wooden bridge to replace the pontoons. This bridge in Venice, now renamed Ponte di Rialto, went through a few disasters - partly burned in a revolt in 1310, it collapsed in 1444 and again 1524.In 1503 it was suggested a stone bridge should be constructed and after much discussion and plans submitted the present bridge was finished in 1591. ... continue below the picture...

This picture is part of the photo album "Venice Pictures" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.

... Designed by Antonio da Ponto, it is a beautiful sight when drifting along the Grand Canal in the romantic gondola.

The two covered ramps of the Ponte di Rialto in Venice, house rows of shops culminating at the central portico. There is so much to see in Venice, Italy but the Venetian Ponte di Rialto bridge should be at the top of the list.

Ponte di Rialto, Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal, Venice, Veneto, Italy, Europe.