Bridge of Sighs

The final glimpse of Venice

Enclosed bridge named for the sighs of convicts crossing it en route to the palace prison.

Doge's Palace Classic Venice Remarkable Bridges

Sestiere San Marco

Show on map

San Marco + 4-min walk

Vaporetto Guide

palazzoducale.visitmuve.it

Visit official website

+39 041 271 5911

Call now

Traversing the bridge is included in your visit to Doge's Palace.

Additional resources

What makes this place special

The only covered bridge in Venice

The single-arch, 11-meter (36-foot) bridge made of white Istrian stone contains two separate corridors running side by side, fully enclosed from the outside world.

Inspiration linked to the Rialto Bridge

The Bridge of Sighs was designed by Antonio Contino, nephew of Antonio da Ponte, the architect of the iconic Rialto Bridge. Having worked alongside his uncle during the construction of the Rialto Bridge, Contino later created the enclosed stone passage that would become one of Venice's most recognizable landmarks.

Romantic legend

In recent history, bolstered also by poems from Casanova, a modern myth emerged: lovers who kiss under the bridge at sunset, while hearing the bells of St Mark's Campanile, will be blessed with eternal love.

Origin of the name

The bridge earned its name because it was the last bittersweet view of beautiful Venice that convicts saw through its windows, before being taken to their cells, prompting them to ... sigh!

Bridge of Sighs : One last sigh, looking at the lagoon

Discover more about Bridge of Sighs through 10 photos with explanations.

Open gallery

What to experience here

Walk inside one of the world's most famous bridges.
Retrace the path convicts took on their way to eternal imprisonment.
Feel a new sense of freedom once you're out!

Ways to experience the bridge

Photograph the exterior of the Bridge of Sighs from nearby vantage points, or cross it yourself for a glimpse into its storied past.

Walk inside it

Bridge of Sighs : Crossing the bridge toward Doge's Palace

As you pass through the dark interior of the bridge, imagine the emotions prisoners must have felt as they cast one last glance at freedom.

This experience is an integral part of your visit to Doge's Palace.

View the bridge from afar

Most visitors gather at Ponte della Paglia - where Riva degli Schiavoni begins - for that classic view of the Bridge of Sighs.

For a quieter yet equally remarkable view, try to see the bridge from Ponte de Canonica. The lagoon forms a beautiful backdrop, just as shown in the header photo.

View exact location

Pass under the bridge

Bridge of Sighs : View facing inland, from the touristy Ponte della Paglia

The intricately carved faces on the underside of the arches, each expressing a different emotion, can only be fully appreciated while gliding beneath the bridge.

The best way to do this is on a gondola with a gondolier who shares the stories behind them.

While gondolas can always be rented on site at the regular fixed rate, we suggest booking a shared gondola for solo travelers seeking convenience and a more affordable ride.

Your questions, answered

Common questions about visiting Bridge of Sighs, answered to help you plan your visit.

Can I walk across the bridge without a ticket?

No. Access to the interior of the Bridge of Sighs is only possible as part of a visit to the Doge's Palace. During the standard itinerary, you cross the bridge twice: once to go from the ornate interrogation rooms to the prisons, and once to return.

Is the bridge lit up at night for photos?

Yes. White spotlights illuminate the exterior of the bridge, making its Istrian stone glow against the dark water below. Night visits are perfect for capturing beautifully haunting photos and avoiding the usual daytime crowds.

Do I have to pay extra for a gondola to go under the bridge?

No extra fee, just tell your gondolier before boarding. Most gondolas starting from Bacino Orseolo or in front of Doge's Palace include the Bridge of Sighs in their route. Expect traffic jams of gondolas around sunset because of the romantic legend discussed earlier.