Ponte di Rialto

Rialto Bridge

The first bridge over the Grand Canal, now one of Venice's most iconic landmarks.

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Sestiere San Polo

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Rialto (1-min walk)

Waterbus Guide

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What makes it special

The first bridge to cross Canal Grande

Even today, there are only 3 other bridges spanning this main waterway.

The bridge you see today is not the original

Multiple iterations occurred from the initial floating bridge of 1181 to the current design by Antonio da Ponte in 1591.

A daring design for its era

The bridge has a single central arch supported by an impressive 12,000 elm poles.

Inspiration for another famous bridge

After contributing to the construction of the Rialto bridge, Da Ponte's nephew designed Bridge of Sighs.

The narrowest section of Canal Grande

The intensity of the boat traffic here is amplified by the tight space and the sharp 90-degree bend just past the bridge.

Three sets of stairs

With shops flanking the central staircase, it's easy to forget you're crossing a waterway.

Rialto Bridge : At the highest point of the bridge, looking west toward where the San Polo sestiere begins

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Your experience here

Cross one of the most iconic bridges in the world.
Stand where merchants and financiers made deals that shaped Venice’s trading power.
See the parade of boats — gondolas, water taxis, vaporettos — glide under the arch.

Open Gallery to get the feel

Ways to see the bridge

From Riva del Vin

This sunny quayside on the western bank of the Grand Canal, stretching south from the bridge, offers some of the best views of it — especially from the row of open-air restaurants lining the water.

Explore Riva del Vin

From water level

Take the #1 water bus or hop in a gondola to enjoy this unique water-level perspective.

There are plenty of gondoliers available on-site, but if you’re short on cash or traveling in a small group, a more affordable shared ride can easily be booked online.