Doge's Palace Tickets

Explore the Bridge of Sighs: Connecting Doge's Palace to New Prisons

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Doge Palace Bridge of sighs






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Bridge of Sighs: Myth & mystery of the Venetian justice system

Tucked away within the Doge's Palace complex in Venice, Italy, lies the Bridge of Sighs, a hauntingly beautiful enclosed bridge crafted from white limestone. Spanning the Rio di Palazzo, the bridge connects the palace to the New Prison. According to legend, prisoners would sigh as they caught their last glimpse of Venice through its stone-barred windows before facing judgment and imprisonment. Renowned for its stunning Baroque design, featuring intricate carvings and elegant arches, the bridge stands as one of Venice's most celebrated and romantic landmarks.
Today, visitors can walk through the bridge, retracing the footsteps of those who once crossed it, and gaze out at the same view that evoked countless sighs.

How to access the Bridge of Sighs?

The Bridge of Sighs is located within the Doge's Palace complex in Venice, Italy. This iconic bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) across the Rio di Palazzo. Access to the Bridge of Sighs is included in all Doge's Palace tickets. You can book your tickets ​here.

Bridge of Sighs in a nutshell

Bridge of Sighs in a nutshell
  • Year of construction: 1600 - 1603
  • Architect: Antonio Contino (believed to be)
  • Material: White limestone
  • Must-see highlights: Intricate Baroque architecture, enclosed walkway with small, barred windows. Famously associated with the last sights of prisoners.
  • Function: Connected the Doge's Palace interrogation rooms to the New Prison
  • Unique facts: Built in the 17th century, the bridge is named for the sighs of condemned prisoners catching their last view of Venice. It was designed by Antonio Contino, the nephew of the architect of the Rialto Bridge.

Architectural features | Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs, despite its relatively small size, boasts a captivating design that blends functionality with Baroque flair. Here's a closer look at its key architectural features:

Material used

Material used

Constructed from white Istrian limestone, from Istria, modern day Croatia. It was a popular choice for building materials in Venice during that era due to its durability and elegant appearance.

Enclosed passageway

Enclosed passageway

Unlike most bridges, the Bridge of Sighs is fully enclosed, creating a sense of isolation. This design likely aimed to maintain prisoner privacy and security during their transfer.

Barred windows

Barred windows

The bridge has two small, arched windows on each side, fitted with intricately designed stone bars. These windows offer limited views of the San Giorgio and the Lagoon, allowing light to filter through the stone lattice.

Single arch design

Single arch design

The 11 m long bridge features a single, lightly curved arch that spans the Rio di Palazzo canal. This design element not only provided structural support but also contributed to the bridge's overall aesthetic appeal.

macaron faces

Macaron faces

The bridge features macaron faces on the bottom arch, which are a characteristic of the Italian Baroque style, intended to ward off evil spirits. These faces depict a range of emotions, with 10 showing fear and sadness, while only one is smiling.

Integration with surrounding architecture

Integration with surrounding architecture

The design of the bridge complements the architectural styles of the Doge's Palace and the New Prison, seamlessly integrating with their Gothic and Renaissance elements.

Historical insights of Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs was constructed between 1600 and 1603 by architect Antonio Contin, nephew of Antonio da Ponte, who designed the famous Rialto Bridge. This Baroque-style bridge, made from white limestone, spans the Rio di Palazzo canal, connecting the Doge’s Palace with the ​New Prison (Prigioni Nuove). It allowed for secure prisoner transfers directly from the courtroom to their cells. The Doge’s Palace, the residence of the Doge of Venice, also housed various government offices, courts, and prisons.

The New Prison was built to address the overcrowded and insecure prison facilities within the palace, representing an advanced approach to detention for its time. The enclosed bridge, with its small, stone-barred windows, provided a secure and private passageway for prisoners. The name "Bridge of Sighs" originates from the melancholic sighs of prisoners who, legend says, caught their last glimpse of Venice through the windows before imprisonment.

Rich history of the Doge's royal palace

Legends and myths of Bridge of Sighs

Origin of the name

Origin of the name

The evocative name, credited to Lord Byron, the famous Romantic poet, comes from the legend that prisoners, crossing from the Doge's Palace interrogation rooms to the New Prison, would sigh deeply as they took one final look at Venice through the bridge's small windows, filled with sorrow and longing before their imprisonment or execution.

The romantic legend

The romantic legend

According to a romantic myth, lovers who kiss under the Bridge of Sighs at sunset, as the bells of St. Mark's Campanile ring, will be granted eternal love and happiness. This belief has made the bridge a popular spot for couples seeking to seal their love.

Casanova's connection

Casanova's connection

The legendary Giacomo Casanova, famed for his romantic exploits, briefly added to the Bridge of Sighs' mystique. Though he wasn't imprisoned via the bridge, his daring escape from the Doge's Palace in 1755 fueled the romantic image of the bridge, further cemented by his own accounts.

Cultural significance of the Bridge

Though a small structure, the Bridge of Sighs speaks volumes about Venetian history, justice, and the power of storytelling.

  • Symbol of justice: Primarily, the bridge represents the justice system of Venice, a reminder of the finality faced by those condemned within the Doge's Palace.
  • Artistic inspiration:  The bridge's evocative nature has captured the imagination of artists for centuries. Paintings by Canaletto and M.J. Turner depicts its architectural details, while Lord Byron's poem "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage" immortalized the bridge's name and its association with sorrow.
  • A bridge in film:  The bridge's visual appeal and dramatic history have made it a fixture in films.  From the classic "Casanova" (1927) to the thriller "The Italian Job" (1969), the Bridge of Sighs continues to add a touch of Venetian mystique to the silver screen.

Doge's Palace & Venetian culture

Visitor tips for experiencing Bridge of Sighs

  • Experience: Walk through the same passage used by prisoners centuries ago, offering a unique perspective on the bridge's interior and the small, barred windows.
  • See it from the outside: If you didn't get a ​Doge's Palace ticket, you can still admire the Bridge of Sighs from outside. Popular viewing points include:
    Ponte della Paglia: This bridge offers a classic view of the Bridge of Sighs with a gondola gliding underneath for a quintessential Venetian image.
    Ponte della Canonica: This bridge provides a side view of the bridge, showcasing its architectural details.
  • Capturing the moment: Since the bridge is enclosed, photography can be tricky inside. Opt for a flash to brighten the interior, and focus on the architectural details like the archway and windows. From the outside, its an easy, and actually more recognisable, frame to capture. 
  • Avoiding the crowds: To get the best shots (and avoid crowds), consider a tour during the off-season or shoulder seasons. Early mornings or evenings might offer better lighting conditions as well.

Plan your Doge's Palace visit

Frequently asked questions about the Bridge of Sighs

What is the significance of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice's history?

Since the Bridge of Sighs was built to connect the ​Doge's Palace to the ​New Prisons, serving as a passageway for prisoners it played a crucial role in the functioning of the Venetian justice system and is now a symbol of the city's rich history and architecture.

Are there any guided tours that include a visit to the Bridge of Sighs?

Indeed! There are exclusive ​guided tours like the "Secret Itinerary" tour, which lets visitors explore areas of the palace and prison not typically accessible to the public, including the Bridge of Sighs. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides insights into the ​history, architecture, and legends surrounding the bridge, offering a unique and immersive experience for visitors.

Is the Bridge of Sighs illuminated at night?

The Bridge of Sighs itself isn't directly illuminated at night. However, the surrounding area of the Doge's Palace is often lit up, casting an enchanting glow on the bridge. You might be able to capture a picturesque image with the bridge bathed in the soft light of nearby buildings.

What is the best way to reach the Bridge of Sighs from other parts of Venice?

While you can't enter the bridge itself without a special tour, getting to the Doge's Palace complex, where the bridge is located, is easy. Most visitors rely on vaporetto (water buses). Depending on your starting point, lines 1, 2, 5.1, or 4.1 will get you close to the San Zaccaria stop, a short walk from the palace.

How has the bridge's perception changed over time?

Initially, the bridge served a practical function within the Venetian justice system. Over time, the "Bridge of Sighs" name emerged, likely linked to a romantic legend about prisoners sighing. Today, the bridge is a popular tourist attraction, symbolizing both Venetian history and a touch of melancholy.

What was the daily life of prisoners like after crossing the bridge?

Conditions in the ​prison (Prigioni Nuove) varied depending on the severity of the crime. Some prisoners faced harsh conditions, while others might have had more privileges. However, crossing the Bridge of Sighs undoubtedly marked a turning point, signifying the start of their confinement.

Who were some of the most popular prisoners in Doge's Palace prisons?

The Doge's Palace housed a fascinating mix of prisoners. Casanova, the infamous escapee, rubbed shoulders with Marco Polo (possibly) and political prisoners like Pellico. Even a Doge, Marino Faliero, met his demise there. Garibaldi, a future Italian unifier, also spent a brief stint within its walls.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.