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Bridge of Sighs : View facing the lagoon, from the small Ponte de Canonica

Ponte dei Sospiri

Bridge of Sighs

Enclosed bridge named for the sighs of convicts crossing it en route to the palace prison.

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What makes it special

The only covered bridge in Venice

The single arch, 11-meter (36-foot) long bridge made of white Istrian stone contains two separate corridors running next to each other.

Romantic myths

In recent history, bolstered also by poems from Casanova, a modern legend emerged: lovers who kiss under the bridge at sunset, while hearing the bells of Campanile di San Marco, will be blessed with eternal love.

Origin of the name

The bridge earned its name because it was the last bittersweet view of beautiful Venice that convicts saw through its windows, before being taken to their cells, prompting them to ... sigh!

Bridge of Sighs : One last sigh, looking at the lagoon

Why visit Bridge of Sighs

  • Walk inside one of the world's most famous bridges.
  • Retrace the path convicts took on their way to eternal imprisonment.
  • Feel a new sense of freedom once you're out!
Bridge of Sighs : Crossing the bridge toward Palazzo Ducale
See why (in 10 photos)

Experience the bridge

  • From the inside

    Cross the bridge and contemplate the emotions prisoners felt as they cast one last glance at freedom.

    This experience is an integral part of your visit to Palazzo Ducale.

  • From the distance

    Most people crowd to see the bridge from Ponte della Paglia, where Riva degli Schiavoni begins, but there's another angle from Ponte de Canonica, with the lagoon as a backdrop.

  • From underneath

    Glide under the bridge and observe the intricately carved faces on the bottom arches, each expressing a different emotion.

Connect the dots

Nearby

These top spots are steps away from Bridge of Sighs: