The Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous three bridges, which crosses the Grand Canal in beautiful Venice, Italy. The other two bridges include Accademia, and Scalzi Bridges.
There was also another bridge called Ponte di Calatrava under construction which is due to be opened sometimes in 2008. The center structure of the Rialto Bridge was built in just three years, between 1588 and 1591. The reason behind the construction of this bridge is it’s a permanent replacement for the boat bridge and other thee bridges that have spanned the Grand Canal at various times since the 12th century. It continued as a one and only one way to cross the Grand Canal on foot until the 1854, when the Accademia Bridge construction was made.
The structure of the Ponte di Rialto Bridge was designed by the architect, Antonio da Ponte (“Anthony of the Bridge”). He designed the structure of this bridge very similar in style to the previous wooden bridge, which is formed by two inclined ramps, with shops on each side, covered by a portico. It is a stone arch bridge, which is about 7.5 meters arch (24-foot) was designed to allow passage of galleys. This massive structure was built on some 12,000 wooden pilings that still maintain the bridge more than 400 years later.
It has three walkways. Two ways are along the outer balustrades, and a wider central pathway leading between two rows of minute shops that sell jewelry, Murano glass, linens, and other item for tourist trade. It is the most visited tourist attraction in Venice.
Related posts:
Tags: antonio da ponte, italy, rialto bridge, stone arch, venice, walkway, wooden
