The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is one of those landmarks that instantly says “Venice”. Arching over the narrowest point of the Grand Canal, it links the historic trading district of Rialto with the elegant heart of San Marco and has done so for centuries. Today, crowds still pour across it from dawn to late evening, photographing the view, browsing the tiny shops on top and watching gondolas and vaporetti glide underneath. This stone arch bridge is the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal and a symbol of the city’s commercial power during the days of the Venetian Republic. Its story mixes engineering daring, artistic refinement and daily market life, which is why understanding the Rialto Bridge means understanding Venice itself. Short History of the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) Long before the present stone bridge was built, Venetians needed a dry crossing over the Grand Canal to reach the busy markets on its eastern bank. The first known structure here was a pontoon bridge, Ponte della Moneta, built in the late 12th century, probably around 1181, near the medieval mint that gave it its name. From floating to wooden bridge As the Rialto district became the city’s Read more [...]
Tag: Antonio da Ponte in Venice
Il Redentore
When you are looking at the Giudecca Island, from Zattere, your eyes are attracted by the splendid creation of Andrea Palladio, Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore or, commonly known, Il Redentore (The Redeemer). The church impresses at first from the distance, thanks to its massive structure, but only in front of it you will be able to discover the details that complete one of the most valuable architectural creations of the Venetian Renaissance. SHORT HISTORY After the plague epidemic of 1575-1577, that killed over 50,000 Venetians, the Senate of the Republic decided to build a church to celebrate the end of the scourge and to thank the Divinity. The mission was entrusted to the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, who was to begin the construction in 1577 and to leave it, after his death in 1580, to Antonio da Ponte, who would complete it many years later, in 1592. After the church was finished, the Venetian Senate established that every July, a pontoon will be built to link Zattere with the Giudecca island. In time, this tradition will become an important celebration for the Venetians, known as Festa del Redentore. ARCHITECTURE Considered the most beautiful church built by Palladio, Read more [...]
