Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)

The Bridge of Sighs, or Ponte dei Sospiri, is one of Venice’s most romantic and historically fascinating landmarks. Built in 1600, the enclosed limestone bridge connects the Doge’s Palace to the old prison across the Rio di Palazzo. Its name comes from the “sighs” of prisoners who would see their last glimpse of Venice through its small stone windows before imprisonment. Today, the Bridge of Sighs stands as a symbol of both Venice’s history and its enduring charm. Its graceful Baroque design and the legend surrounding it make it one of the most photographed sites in the city.