Bridge of Sighs

Ponte dei Sospiri

The final glimpse of Venice

Enclosed bridge connecting the Doge's Palace to the prisons, named for the sighs of convicts crossing it on their way to their cells.

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The Bridge of Sighs is included in your visit to the Doge's Palace.

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What makes this place special

The only covered bridge in Venice

Built from white Istrian stone, this elegant single-arch bridge spans 11 meters (36 feet) between the Doge's Palace and its former prison. Inside, two narrow corridors run side by side, completely enclosed from the outside world.

Inspiration from the Rialto Bridge

The Bridge of Sighs was designed by Antonio Contino, nephew of Antonio da Ponte, the architect of the Rialto Bridge. After working alongside his uncle on the broad, open Rialto, Contino went on to create a strikingly different kind of bridge: an enclosed passage for prisoners. And like the Rialto, it became one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks.

A romantic legend

In recent history, bolstered also by poems from Casanova, a modern myth emerged: lovers who kiss under the bridge at sunset, while hearing the bells of St Mark's Campanile, will be blessed with eternal love.

Where the name comes from

The bridge's name refers to the sighs prisoners were said to utter as they caught their final glimpse of beautiful Venice through its narrow windows, before being taken to their cells.

Bridge of Sighs : And perhaps even more so towards the lagoon, where the openness of the sea and the boats offered a glimpse of freedom (back then, there were no tourists photographing the bridge from Ponte della Paglia)

Discover more about Bridge of Sighs through 14 photos with explanations.

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What to experience here

Walk through one of the world's most famous bridges and discover just how cramped it feels inside.
Retrace the path prisoners once took on their way to the palace prison.
Look through the tiny stone windows for the same view of Venice that gave the bridge its name.
Step out on the other side with a new sense of freedom.

See the bridge from every angle

Although the Bridge of Sighs is tucked into the narrow space between the Doge's Palace and its former prisons, there are several ways to get a good look at it.

Bridge of Sighs : The bridge is tucked into the narrow space between the palace and the prisons - as seen from the belltower of San Giorgio Maggiore

You can admire its exterior details from two viewpoints or from the water on a gondola ride, then go one step further and walk across the bridge itself.

View the bridge from a distance

Most visitors gather at Ponte della Paglia, on Riva degli Schiavoni, for the classic view that needs no introduction.

But there is another, lesser-known viewpoint on the opposite side.

Bridge of Sighs : Another viewpoint is from Ponte della Canonica, looking south, with gondolas approaching underneath Ponte della Paglia

From Ponte della Canonica, you can see the other side of the Bridge of Sighs away from the crowds, set against the open lagoon — an evocative contrast between confinement and freedom.[{generic_landmark_cta_viewlocation}|https://maps.app.goo.gl/iaUooP4wZw7DaX9i7|Ponte de Canonica]

Pass under the bridge

The intricately carved faces beneath the arches, each expressing a different emotion, are easy to miss from the sides.

Gliding beneath the bridge gives you a chance to take a closer look, especially from a gondola with a gondolier who can share the stories behind them.

Bridge of Sighs : From a gondola, you get much closer to the bridge and can admire the intricate details of its ornaments up close

Gondolas can be hired on site at the fixed city rate of €90 for a 30-minute ride during the day and €110 in the evening or at night. The price is per boat, not per person, and each gondola can carry up to five passengers. Payment is cash only.

You can also book a shared gondola ride online. These are more budget-friendly for solo travelers or couples who don't mind sharing the gondola with others, and they also avoid the need to handle cash payments.

The gondola rides below all pass under the Bridge of Sighs.

Walk inside the bridge

As you pass through the dark interior of the bridge, imagine the emotions prisoners must have felt as they caught one last glimpse of freedom through its tiny barred windows.

Bridge of Sighs : The view through the tiny barred windows would have prompted prisoners to sigh, taking one last look at Venice, with Ponte della Canonica in the background

Crossing the Bridge of Sighs is part of the standard itinerary when visiting the Doge's Palace.

Doge's Palace : how to visit

Your questions, answered

Common questions about visiting Bridge of Sighs, answered to help you plan your visit.

Can I cross the bridge?

Yes, but only as part of the standard itinerary inside the Doge's Palace. You cross the bridge twice: once from the ornate interrogation rooms to the prisons, and once again on the way back.

Do I need to pay extra to cross it?

No. There is no separate fee to cross it, as access is included with your Doge's Palace ticket.

Is the bridge lit up at night for photos?

Yes. White spotlights illuminate the exterior of the bridge, making its Istrian stone glow against the dark water below. Night visits are perfect for capturing beautifully haunting photos and avoiding the usual daytime crowds.

Do I have to pay extra for a gondola to go under the bridge?

No extra fee, just tell your gondolier before boarding. Most gondolas departing from Bacino Orseolo or in front of Doge's Palace include the Bridge of Sighs in their route. Expect traffic jams of gondolas around sunset because of the romantic legend discussed earlier.