The Bridge of Sighs – Ponte dei Sospiri – is undoubtedly one of the most famous Venice‘s bridges.

Built in the early seventeenth century by the architect Antonio Contin on the order of the doge Marino Grimani (whom emblem is carved on the bridge). Made in white limestone from Istria in Baroque style.

This famous bridge of Venice passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the interrogation rooms in Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) to the Prigioni Nuove (New Prison). It served as a passage for prisoners who passed from prisons to the palace to be judged.

His name could be misleading and lead you to believe that it has romantic origins. In reality, the name derives from the use it was intended for: it is said that the convicts crossing the bridge and thinking of their lost freedom would sigh giving a last glance to the enchanting Venice.

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) can only be visible and photographed from two locations: the Ponte della Canonica and the Ponte della Paglia.