What is the oldest of the four bridges spanning Venice's Grand Canal?

The oldest of the four bridges spanning Venice’s Grand Canal is the Rialto Bridge. It connects the San Marco and San Polo districts at one of the city’s historic commercial crossings.

A floating bridge crossed the canal near the Rialto market by the late twelfth century. That structure was replaced by a wooden bridge, which was rebuilt several times after fires, crowd-related damage, and collapses. The present stone bridge was designed by Antonio da Ponte and constructed between 1588 and 1591.

The bridge’s single broad arch carries two inclined ramps that meet at a central portico. Rows of shops line the covered sides, continuing the site’s long connection with commerce. Its daring design attracted skepticism from some contemporaries, but the bridge became one of Venice’s defining landmarks.

The Bridge of Sighs does not cross the Grand Canal; it links the Doge’s Palace with a former prison. The Accademia Bridge and Constitution Bridge are the other modern Grand Canal crossings, while Ponte Vecchio is in Florence, not Venice.