Spanning the southern end of the Grand Canal between the Galleria dell’Accademia in Dorsoduro and Campo San Vidal in San Marco, the Ponte dell’Accademia is one of only four bridges crossing the canal. It’s the perfect vantage point to view the church of Santa Maria della Salute and the canal or observe the city’s Carnival festivities.
The Basics
The Accademia Bridge has had several incarnations since the original steel structure was constructed in 1854. This was replaced by a wooden bridge designed by Eugenio Miozzi in 1933, later deemed unsafe and removed. Today’s version, erected in 1985, was crafted out of wood in a single arched span and is identical in construction to Miozzi’s but has additional steel supports.
The bridge is a highlight of skip-the-line walking tours that cover the Accademia Gallery and Dorsoduro district. For a unique view of the bridge, consider a Venice gondola ride or cruise by luxury motorboat along the Grand Canal.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The craze for lovers placing locks on bridges in European cities has taken hold on the Ponte dell’Accademia, but Venetian authorities fear for the structure and have imposed fines for attaching “love locks.”
- Though a pedestrian bridge, Ponte dell’Accademia has stairs on each side, so is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The span offers sweeping views over the Grand Canal, so be sure to stop and snap a few pictures when crossing.
How to Get to There
The Ponte dell’Accademia crosses the Grand Canal between the San Marco and Dorsoduro districts. To get there, take vaporetto water bus line 1 or 2 to the Accademia stop.
When to Get There
Venice is crowded with tourists during the popular summer months, and it can be frustrating to navigate the crowds on the bridge. Between April and October, the best option is to take an early morning or late evening stroll over the bridge, or opt for a private gondola ride or boat tour along the Grand Canal. During the two weeks of Carnival, which ends 40 days before Easter, the bridge offers excellent views of costumed revelers in colorfully draped gondolas.
The Grand Canal Bridges
The Accademia Bridge is one of four bridges that span the Grand Canal. The other three are the iconic Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the modern Constitution Bridge (Ponte della Costituzione), and the marble Bridge of the Barefoot (Ponte degli Scalzi).
