Bridge of Sighs

Built in 1602, the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) connected the interrogation rooms in the Doges Palace with the prison cells. It got its name from the fact that prisoners passing across it sighed for their lost freedom and their final view of Venice through the barred windows. The prison cells were small, dank and often a final stop before death. You can see them on a tour of the Palazzo Ducale (Doges Palace).
Designed by Antoni Contino whose uncle designed the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs is covered-in, with bars on the windows, made of white limestone. From the outside it is lovely, from the inside not so pretty.

Practical Info

Walk out of Piazza San Marco along the Riva (waterfront). As you reach the corner of the Palazzo Ducale and the first bridge look up the narrow canal to your left and there it is: the Bridge of Sighs. Vaporetto stop: S. Marco/Vallaresso.