Rialto Bridge is a famous bridge that arches over the glimmering canals of Venice.
When viewing photos of Venice’s Grand Canal, chances are you have seen a photo of the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto). This stone bridge crosses the Grand Canal and has been around for hundreds of years.
When visiting Venice, you can walk across the historic bridge, or view it from the water on a scenic gondola ride!
About the Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is not the first bridge that was built in its specific location. The first bridge was called the Ponte della Moneta. It was a wooden bridge that had to be rebuilt a number of times due to collapsing.
Rialto Bridge was built at the end of the 1500s and is currently the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal. Its design honours the original wooden bridge that used to sit in its place. The bridge’s unique design helps it to stand out amongst the other bridges in the area.
What else is nearby?
Venice is an extremely walkable city, which means there are plenty of places to explore nearby.
Rialto Market
The Rialto Market is a large covered market located near Rialto Bridge. The market offers a wide variety of locally sourced goods from fresh produce and seafood to dried fruits and snack foods.
You can visit the fruit and vegetable market every day of the week except Sunday. The fish market is also open most days except Sunday and Monday.
St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square is a large public square located just a ten-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge. Surrounding the square are museums, gardens, a palace, and more.
Be sure to spend some time in the square and take in the vibrant atmosphere!
Doge’s Palace
Doge’s Palace is found in St. Mark’s Square and is easy to recognize by its large size and unique architecture.
If you want to learn more about the history of Italy and Venice, head inside to explore the palace. You can easily spend up to three hours taking in the rich history through art, architecture and fascinating stories.
See the Rialto Bridge on a tour
Do you want to explore this charming bridge? Join one of our Venice tours and learn more about the bridge from an expert guide!
One of the best ways to see this bridge is via a gondola ride. Start the day off with a tranquil morning gondola ride or wrap up your day with a cruise down the Grand Canal on an afternoon gondola tour. Alternatively, you can plan a private gondola tour for your entire group of friends or family.
Each gondola tour offers spectacular views of the city of Venice and includes a float down the Grand Canal. You will also be able to see some significant locations including St. Mark’s Belltower, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and more.
Visit the Rialto Bridge in Venice and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Venice!