Rialto Bridge and other Venice, Italy Things to Do Tips

Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) is the true heart of Venice. The current structure was built in just three years, between 1588 and 1591, as a permanent replacement for the boat bridge and three wooden bridges that had spanned the Grand Canal at various times since the 12th Century.
The Rialto Bridge's 24-foot arch was designed to allow passage of galleys, and the massive structure was built on some 12,000 wooden pilings that still support the bridge more than 400 years later. The architect, Antonio da Ponte, competed against such eminent designers as Michelangelo and Palladio for the contract.

The bridge has three walkways: two along the outer balustrades, and a wider central walkway leading between two rows of small shops that sell jewelry, linens, Murano glass, and other items for the tourist trade. The bridge consists primarily of steps, making it a challenge for tourists with strollers or wheelchairs.

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Directions: From train station or Piazzale Roma follow the signs to Rialto from Piazza San Marco go to the clock tower, cut thru the arched passage & follow shopping streets known as the Mercerie til you reach the Grand Canal turn right & walk 2 blocks to the bridge

You can climb stairs or ride an elevator (for a small fee, at the time we went up, was about 7 euros) to the top of the Bell Tower for an aerial view of the city.

The Campanile di San Marco or Belltower of St. Mark's that stands in Venice today is not the original belltower. The present-day structure was built in 1912 as an exact replica of its predecessor, which collapsed unexpectly on the morning of July 14, 1902.

When we went up to the tower it was about 12pm and thats when the bells start ringing, we nearly went deaf but it was such an unforgettable experience. The view up there is breathtaking. Check out my travelogue for more pictures from the belltower.

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Venice at night is mesmerizing! It is a completely different experience. At night Venice transforms itself to a magical place, the crowds are gone, even the pigeons seems to disappear. St. Mark's Square lights up and shows its beautiful architectures like a dream. A visit to venice at night is an experience you surely wont want to miss. More pictures of Venice at night in my Venice Travelogue.

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They might not be the most beautiful birds you'll ever see but they are definiely a huge part of Venice. They are everywhere and if you're not afraid of them, buy some seeds (about 1 euro) and feed them, be very careful though because they will swarm on you like bees! Just stand still and you might just take a very interesting photo!

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This part of the Basilica rarely gets noticed compared to the beautiful gold mosaics above it. but if you look at them closely, each and every one of them are different piece of marble. They were all taken (maybe stolen some say?) from ancient Greece. The variety of different marble colums are amazing. Look at them closely and you will be amazed.

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No cars or any kind of trasportation except by foot/boat is allowed in Venice. No wonder their streets are so small and narrow! You can touch the buildings in between them if you stretch your arms! Single File Line everyone!

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