Ponte di Rialto

It is hard to imagine anyone who has yet to hear about Ponte di Rialto. Rialto Bridge is a legendary Venice icon. Ponte di Rialto is the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal and one of the best Venice attractions. Many people come to the Rialto Bridge for a picture and to admire the boats flowing along the canal.

History of Ponte di Rialto

During the development of Venice, there was no bridge between the banks of the Grand Canal. To solve this problem, Nicolò Barattieri built a pontoon bridge in 1181. The bridge received the name of Ponte della Moneta. The importance of the nearby Rialto Market significantly increased the traffic on the Rialto Bridge. In 1250, a wooden bridge replaced it, but in 1444 and again in 1524, it collapsed. 

The current single-span stone bridge designed by Antonio da Ponte emerged in 1591. The present Ponte di Rialto looks very similar to the last wooden bridge. Two inclined ramps lead to a central portico. On either side of the entrance, covered ramps house rows of shops. 

The area around the Ponte di Rialto

The Bridge and the surrounding streets are one of Venice's main attractions. The squares along the Grand Canal welcome the hustle and bustle of daily business. Fishmongers, businessmen, housewives, and tourists gather in the markets and the narrow alleys. 

The Ponte di Rialto is the hub of the Rialto area. You can cross it, admire the view, and then walk along the banks to find the perfect angle for a picture. The bridge's location is right in the middle between some of the finest Venice museums. For instance, it's about 10 minutes from either the Doge's Palace or Ca' Pesaro. 

The Rialto Market:-  Venice's oldest and largest market area and one of the liveliest in Italy. Here, you can find fresh fish, seasonal fruit and vegetables. But you'll also find extraordinary gastronomic souvenirs to take home. The barges with goods arrive at dawn as traders unload them and prepare for a morning of bartering and haggling with the customers. Head to the market early in the day to get the freshest produce. If you are staying in a rental and prefer to cook your meals, getting food at the Rialto Market is a fantastic choice. 

San Giacomo di Rialto:- After exploring the Rialto Market, visit one of the famous Venice churches - the Church of San Giacomo. The small church of San Giacomo on the San Polo side of Ponte di Rialto is the oldest Venice church. According to the legend, it emerged on the same day as Venice, March 26, 421. 

The Greek cross plan and the portico are the Gothic elements of a 13th-century church. The clock above the church is famous for its inaccuracy since its installation in the 15th century. The church, located next to the long building of the Goldsmiths' Guild, is now the seat of the Water Authority. It also contains the altar of the Guild. 

In front of the church, you'll see a kneeling statue. It supports a staircase leading up to a podium on a small column. It is the Gobbo di Rialto, a place where Venice officials proclaimed edicts and other public announcements.