Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is a bridge in Venice that creates a connection between the prison and the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace). It crosses the Rio di Palazzo canal and is made of limestone.

The bridge was built in 1600 under the supervision of Antonio Contino, the nephew of the architect of the Rialto Bridge.  

The name stands from the stories that prisoners would get a quick glance at the beautiful city when being moved back from the Palace to their cells.

The Ponte della Paglia viewing spot is narrow and consistently busy, so a brief look and photo rather than a long stay helps keep foot traffic moving for others. Gondola prices for a pass beneath the bridge are set by the city, not negotiable per gondolier, so comparing quotes elsewhere first is more useful than haggling at the spot itself.

The Bridge of Sighs itself cannot be walked across by the public -- it's viewed from outside, either from the Ponte della Paglia facing the lagoon or by gondola passing beneath it on the Rio di Palazzo. Walking across its enclosed interior is possible only as part of the Doge's Palace's Secret Itineraries tour, which includes the old prison cells the bridge connects to.