Crossing the Rio di Palazzo, the Ponte dei Sospiri, or the Bridge of Sighs, is the second most famous bridge in Venice.  It was designed by Antonio Contino, and dates from 1600.  It connects the prison area with the interrogation rooms of the Doge’s Palace.  After being sentenced in the palazzo, prisoners were then led across the bridge to their cells, on the other side.  For some, the view from the windows of the bridge were the last glimpse of the outside world they would ever get.  The best place to see the Ponte dei Sospiri is from the middle of the often jam-packed Ponte della Paglia.  At times, it is almost impossible to cross the Ponte della Paglia, for the number of people standing on it, trying to get a photo of the Ponte dei Sospiri, literally stops the foot traffic across.

In Campo San Zaccaria, you will find the Chiesa di San Zaccaria.  Built between 1458 and 1515, the building was designed by the architect Antonio Gambello, who never lived to see it finished.  After Gambello’s death, the project was taken over by Mauro Codussi, who finished the construction.

Along the waterfront, you will find the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, which dates from 1887, and is by the artist Ettore Ferrari.  The equestrian monument was erected in honor of the first king of the United Kingdom of Italy.

 

Next up: We continue to explore the area around the Arsenal of Venice!

 

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Venice, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!