Rialto Bridge

Where it is & how to get there

• Vaporetto: Rialto stop on lines 1 and 2.
• On foot: About 10 minutes from St Mark's Square, following the signs "Per Rialto".
• Market: Rialto Market is open in the mornings, Tuesday to Saturday.

The story of the Rialto Bridge

For centuries a wooden bridge stood here at the commercial heart of Venice. The present stone bridge, designed by Antonio da Ponte, was completed in 1591 and was for a long time the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot.

Its single arch carries two rows of small shops, and its balustrades offer one of the classic views of the Grand Canal with gondolas and palaces.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Visit the Rialto Market in the morning, next to the bridge.
• Visit the Rialto fish and produce market nearby.
• Watch the sunset from the top of the bridge.

What's around the Rialto Bridge

• Rialto MarketHistoric fish and produce market.
• Fondaco dei TedeschiDepartment store with a free rooftop terrace (book ahead).
• Grand CanalBelow the bridge.
• San Giacomo di RialtoOne of Venice's oldest churches.

Questions travellers ask