Rialto Bridge

Originally in wood, the Rialto bridge was reconstructed in stone between 1588 and 1591 using a design by Antonio Da Ponte, chief architect of the Magistratura del Sale. Up until the 19th century, it was the only way for pedestrians to cross between the two halves of the city. The massive structure has a single span and is divided into three stepped pedestrian walkways with shops flanking the central corridor. The two sides of the bridge are linked at the centre by two archways with keystones. The Rialto bridge played a particularly important socio-urban role, because it created a wide artery connecting the two halves of the city and united the two important commercial areas between which it was located.