Bridge of sighs

Description

Open Edition Reproduction

So named by Lord Byron, because once crossed one never returned. The bridge joins the interrogation facilities of the ducal palace (left), passing over the Rio di Palazzo to the New Prison to the east. The “Ponte dei Sospiri” was built in 1600, designed by Antonio Contini, whose uncle designed the Rialto bridge. It has spawn numerous mimics world wide (see # 041).