The Bridge of Sighs, Venice: History, legends, and hidden facts

Located in the heart of Venice, the Bridge of Sighs is a must-see landmark for travelers seeking romance and mystery.

This iconic stone bridge, connecting the Doge’s Palace to the historic prisons, is steeped in legends that captivate visitors from around the world. Offering stunning views over the canal, the Bridge of Sighs is a symbol of love, history, and intrigue.

Why is it called the Bridge of Sighs? What secrets lie behind its name and design?

Explore everything you need to know about this Venetian treasure, a favorite destination for couples and history enthusiasts alike.

The History Behind the Bridge of Sighs: Venice’s Iconic Landmark

The Bridge of Sighs, built between 1600 and 1603 by the architect Antonio Contin, grandson of the famous Rialto Bridge builder Antonio Da Ponte, is a masterpiece, a jewel set between two buildings and suspended over a canal.
It connects the majestic Doge’s Palace with the mysterious Prigioni Nuove, crossing the Rio di Palazzo.

It was once used as a passageway for prisoners who, led from the offices of the State Inquisitors, would see the light of day for the last time before being locked in their cells.

The Bridge of Sighs was built in the Baroque style using Istrian stone, a compact, microcrystalline limestone that is highly resistant to salt erosion.

On the outer façade, in the centre, you can see Justice and, immediately below, the coat of arms of Doge Grimani.

Why Is It Called the Bridge of Sighs?

The bridge is so called because the prisoners who crossed it in chains would take one last look at the sky, the lagoon and the island of San Giorgio, sighing for their lost freedom.

Lord Byron is said to have given the bridge its name. In the 19th century, the English poet visited Venice and was fascinated by its beauty and history. It was he who created this poetic and sad link, suggesting that the prisoners who crossed it sighed as they saw the splendid view of Venice for the last time before their imprisonment.

The melancholy aura that surrounds the bridge has, with the passage of time, turned into pure romanticism, making the monument a landmark for lovers.

Myths and Romantic Tales of the Bridge of Sighs

Legends and symbolism add magic to the architectural beauty of this unique bridge: it cannot be crossed by steps, but only from the inside, passing by the Doge’s Palace, as prisoners once did.

Despite its sad history, the Bridge of Sighs has become a romantic symbol.

A modern legend says that if two lovers kiss in a gondola under the bridge at sunset, their love will last forever.

This modern myth has made the bridge a popular destination for couples from all over the world.

Giacomo Casanova and His Daring Escape from the Doge’s Palace

One of the most famous episodes linked to the Bridge of Sighs concerns Giacomo Casanova, the famous Venetian adventurer.
In 1755, Casanova was imprisoned in the Piombi, the terrible prisons under the roof of the Doge’s Palace.

His daring escape in 1756, narrated in his memoirs, The Story of my Escape: The story of my escape from the prisons of the Republic of Venice otherwise known as the Leads, become legend.

Venice’s Most Famous Bridges: Top 10 You Must Visit

The Bridge of Sighs, with its fascinating history, is unlike any other bridge in the city: it is not a traditional bridge crossed by climbing steps, but rather a suspended passageway. Today, it is crossed by tourists visiting, while in the past, it was used by those who were condemned, who crossed it to observe the lagoon from that extraordinary viewpoint

The bridges of Venice represent much more than simple structures connecting the city’s islands. They are symbols of art, history, and culture.

They are also privileged observation points that allow you to admire the beauty of the canals and the surrounding architecture.

This is the case with the Ponte della Paglia, which offers a spectacular view of the Bridge of Sighs, the Rio below, and the splendid lagoon reflecting the island of San Giorgio.

The Grand Canal, the city’s main artery, is crossed by four bridges:

 – Rialto Bridge, with its imposing architecture, an absolute icon of Venice, is an important commercial landmark.

 – Constitution Bridge, built in 2008, connects Piazzale Roma to the Santa Lucia train station.

– Scalzi Bridge, located near the train station, is named after the nearby Church of the Scalzi (Order of Discalced Carmelites).

– Accademia Bridge, located near the Gallerie dell’Accademia from which it takes its name, is made of wood supported by a metal structure. It was supposed to be a temporary bridge awaiting the construction of a stone one.

In addition to these four famous bridges, there are other smaller bridges surrounded by stories that their names pass down:

– Bridge of Pugni (Fists), known for the ancient battles that took place there.

– Del Diavolo (Devil’s) Bridge, shrouded in mysterious legends.

– Bridge of Wonders, offering an enchanting view.

– Bridge of Tette (Breasts), linked to stories of courtesans.

– Vino (Wine) Bridge, famous for its taverns.

– Chiodo (Nail) Bridge, a medieval bridge without balustrades or railings.

In Venice you will discover that each bridge offers the pleasure of discovery: each topographical indication reveals a clue about intriguing human events that have made history.

Visiting the Bridge of Sighs: Tips and Travel Information

The Bridge of Sighs can be admired from outside, either from the Ponte della Paglia or the Ponte della Canonica.

To cross it from the inside, however, it is necessary to visit the Doge’s Palace, which offers guided tours of the prisons and interrogation rooms.