THE RIALTO BRIDGE (PONTE DI RIALTO)
The Rialto Bridge is the most famous Venetian bridge. Where nowadays you can find this bridge there was always a crossover that, during many centuries and until 1854, was the only one of the Gran Canal. Initially it was formed by a series of boat. Then they built a wooden draw-bridge. The present bridge, made by stone and with a single arch, is a project of Antonio da Ponte, dated back from 1588 to 1591.
The structure rests upon 12.000 poles of elm and is formed by two inclined ramps with stores on both sides, covered by a porch.
In the past site of a very important market, nowadays this bridge is one of the most relevant touristic spots of Venice.