Italy
Bridge of Sighs
Located in Venice, Italy, the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) spans the Rio di Palazzo connecting the interrogation rooms of the Palazzo Ducale di Venezia to the prison. Constructed of limestone the enclosed bridge was built in 1602. Lord Byron gave the bridge its name in the 19th century based on the notion that condemned prisoners would sigh upon their last view of Venice as they were lead to their cells to await execution. However, by the time the bridge was built the prison was largely occupied by small-time criminals.
Ponte di Pietra
The Ponte di Pietra spans the Adige river in Verona. Originally built in 100 BC, 4 of the 5 spans were rebuilt with original materials in 1957 after being destroyed during World War II.
Ponte di Rialto
The Ponte di Rialto spans the Grand Canal in Venice. Completed in 1591, it is the oldest bridge crossing the canal.
Ponte Vecchio
Located in Florence, Italy (Firenze, Italia), the Ponte Vecchio spans the Arno River. Built and destroyed several times, it was last rebuilt in 1345. The Ponte Vecchio is notable for still having shops along it.
