Venice's Rialto Bridge: How, when and why you should visit the city's oldest bridge

The ultimate guide to the iconic Rialto Bridge in Venice. Photo / 123RF

The oldest of the four bridges that arch over Venice's Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge sits proudly in the busiest part of the Floating City. For eons it was the only way to cross the canal on foot, and to this day remains an essential crossing for Venetians. Visitors can enjoy its striking architecture, visit the souvenir stalls, and soak in Rialto's vibrant atmosphere.

How to visit

Rialto Bridge – or Ponte di Rialto in Italian – is hard to miss during a trip to Venice, sitting as it does close to the heart of the Floating City. When wandering the city's spellbinding streets, you may find yourself upon the bridge by accident. You'll know it by the striking architecture and the three walkways. There are two along the outer balustrades as well as a wider central walkway featuring two rows of small shops that sell jewellery and souvenirs.

If you're actively looking for it, it's easy to find thanks to the numerous signposts that point in its direction. From the train station, Piazza San Marco, or the Piazzale Roma, you can just follow the signs to "Rialto". You can also reach the bridge by water bus. The No 1 stops at Rialto on its Grand Canal Route, as do a number of other boat services. The bridge has a number of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

When to visit

The best time to visit Rialto Bridge depends on whether you'd rather avoid the crowds or want to visit the surrounding markets.

If you're only seeking the Rialto Bridge, it's best to avoid the crowds. The area is always busy, but early in the morning less so – or go late at night when the markets are shut. Sunset is a beautiful time to visit, with the southern side of the bridge offering a glorious view of the gondolas pulling up to the grand buildings lining the canal.

The busiest time on the bridge is from mid-morning, when the day trippers arrive, to the late afternoon. The stalls are crawling with customers and it can get a little uncomfortable in the heat.

The Rialto markets are undeniably historic, with locals gathering here to shop since the 11th century. If you want to tie the markets in with your trip to the bridge, try to visit early in the morning, when you'll be able to experience the local fish and vegetable market.

The barges start arriving at dawn, and the markets are in full swing by 0800. This is your best bet for an authentic market experience, as it's when the locals do their shopping and colourful, seasonal produce is plentiful. If you're lucky, you may be offered free samples by vendors.

The markets are shut on Sunday and Monday, and during the rest of the week they begin to wind down after lunch. It's never exactly quiet in the Rialto area but the earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to enjoy a bit of peace at the bridge.

If you're there in winter, you'll have a much quieter experience than in the summer. This is when the bridge is decked with twinkling lights and is a particularly pretty experience.

Don't miss a chance to visit the Floating City's landmark. Photo / 123RF

Why visit

The Ponte di Rialto is Venice's oldest bridge. The current structure was built in the 16th century by Antonio de Ponte, but there's been a bridge here since the 11th century. The first bridge built here provided the first dry crossing of Venice's Grand Canal and, until the 1850s, it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot. Located in the oldest and most central quarter of Venice, it's always been an important spot for traders and locals.

The bridge's architecture is striking, but it wasn't designed just to look good. Its 7.5m arch was constructed to allow galleys to pass underneath and, because Venice was built on a swamp, was erected on top of thousands of wooden pilings that support the bridge to this day.

In its day, the building of the bridge was momentous, with many big names, including Michelangelo and Palladio, competing for the contract. It was won by Antonio da Ponte, whose nephew, Antonio Contino, went on to build Venice's famous Bridge of Sighs.

Aside from its history and architecture, the bridge is worth visiting for stunning views of the Grand Canal and the spectacular buildings that line its shore.