The tiny islands that Venice is situated on are linked by over 400 bridges, and Rialto Bridge is certainly the most recognizable of them all. There’s still a lot that people don’t know about it, and these interesting facts will help you see it in a new light.
Oldest of All
Rialto is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. The present stone bridge was completed in 1591, but the structure itself had actually been around for much longer.
Numerous Renovations
This structure had been first constructed as a pontoon bridge in the 12th century. It was replaced by a firmer wooden bridge in 1255, but its history is full of collapses.
Crumbling Down
After being burnt in the revolt led by Bajamonte Tiepolo in 1310, Rialto collapsed again in 1444 under the weight of a crowd watching a boat parade. After its collapse in 1524, it became obvious that the stone bridge should be constructed.
Defying Expectations
Michelangelo was one of many artists who submitted designs for the bridge, but Antonio da Ponte was eventually commissioned to build it. Its engineering was considered audacious at the time, and several experts predicted its future collapse, but Rialto Bridge still stands.
