Bridge of Sighs
- Address: Doges Palace, Venice
- Hours: Open Summer 9am - 7pm (until 6pm in Winter)
- Admission: € 13 for a Piazza San Marco museums pass
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Walking/Hiking,
Bridge
Built in 1602, the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) connected the interrogation rooms in the Doges Palace with the prison cells. It got its name from the fact that prisoners passing across it sighed for their lost freedom and their final view of Venice through the barred windows. The prison cells were small, dank and often a final stop before death. You can see them on a tour of the Palazzo Ducale (Doges Palace).
Designed by Antoni Contino whose uncle designed the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs is covered-in, with bars on the windows, made of white limestone. From the outside it is lovely, from the inside not so pretty.
Latest Reviews
Review by Nancy C, USA, November 2012
Doing what: Skip the Line: Venice Walking Tour with Doges Palace
Our guide was knowledgeable and interesting. We could hear very well. I would recommend this tour. Walking on the Bridge of Sighs wa the highlight.
Review by CYRILLE C, June 2012
Doing what: Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
Gorgeous palace. Excellent tour guide. I was riveted by the stories of paranoia and conspiracy in the then Republic of Venice and Casanova's exploits. However, I wish the tour included the prisons and the Bridge of Sighs. I loved that the guide said at the end that she hopes we explore the beauty of Venice because there are really no bad sights and that WE should be patient of the Venetians because THEY are very stressed out from the tourists. I think it should be the other way around and I am glad they are sharing their city with us but it was very gracious of her to say this.
Review by Wayne J, June 2012
Doing what: Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
This is an excellent tour and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is visiting Venice. We had done the Doge's Palace before but this tour offered a much deeper insight into the Palace and the intrigues of Venice. Well worth it!
Practical Info
Walk out of Piazza San Marco along the Riva (waterfront). As you reach the corner of the Palazzo Ducale and the first bridge look up the narrow canal to your left and there it is: the Bridge of Sighs. Vaporetto stop: S. Marco/Vallaresso.
