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At the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, visitors can:
The Bridge of Sighs ( Ponte dei Sospiri ), a Baroque-style stone bridge flanking the Doge's Palace, is one of Venice's most famous bridges. Take a photo with the bridge from Quai Slavoni and admire its patterns and arched window grilles from a distance.
Built in 1603 , the Bridge of Sighs earned its name from the sighs of condemned prisoners who crossed the bridge. Connecting the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and the Prison of Venice, it was the only way for condemned prisoners to be escorted from the court to the prison in ancient times.
The Bridge of Sighs is built in the early Baroque style. It is shaped like a house, covered with a dome on the upper part, and is tightly closed. There are only two small windows on the side facing the canal. After the prisoners were tried in the Governor's Palace, the serious criminals were taken to the dungeon. When they passed this airtight bridge, they could only see the blue sky through the small windows. From then on, they lost their freedom and sighed involuntarily.
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The Bridge of Sighs was built in 1602 to connect the Doge's Palace with the prison cells. Its name comes from the idea that prisoners would sigh as they had their last view of Venice before being imprisoned or executed.
The Bridge of Sighs is located in the heart of Venice, near the Doge's Palace. It can be accessed by walking from the San Marco Square, which is well-connected by Vaporetto (water bus) to other parts of the city.
The bridge is open to visitors at all times, but it is most enjoyable early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds. The nearby Doge's Palace, which includes the bridge, is typically open from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
There is no fee to view the Bridge of Sighs from the outside, but entry to the Doge’s Palace, which includes access to the bridge, costs around 25 EUR. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance of the Doge’s Palace.
While you can buy tickets on the day of your visit, it's recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long lines at the Doge's Palace.
Visiting the Bridge of Sighs and its surrounding areas typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you also plan to visit the Doge’s Palace or explore the area further.
The must-see highlights include the bridge itself, the prison cells beneath it, and the view from the bridge towards the canals. The Doge’s Palace is also a major highlight, with its rich history and ornate rooms.
Guided tours and audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, French, and Spanish. You can book these tours at the Doge's Palace entrance or online.
The best photography spots are from the nearby Ponte della Paglia (a bridge next to the Doge's Palace), where you can capture the full bridge and the surrounding canals. A gondola ride also offers great views.
Start by walking around the Doge’s Palace and exploring the courtyards before heading inside. Visit the prisons, then proceed to the Bridge of Sighs. A short walk around the area along the canals will provide great views of the bridge.
While there are no light shows or special nighttime tours specifically for the Bridge of Sighs, the area is beautifully lit in the evening, and a late-night gondola ride offers a unique perspective.
The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most visited landmarks and can be crowded, especially during midday and summer. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the evening on weekdays.
Public toilets are available nearby. There are also cafes, restaurants, and shops around the Doge’s Palace and the surrounding squares. Water fountains are available in the area for refills.
The Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace are accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, though the cobbled streets around the area may be challenging for those with mobility issues. The Doge's Palace is wheelchair accessible.
Most places accept cards and mobile payments, including entry to the Doge’s Palace. It is still advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or tips.
Nearby, you can find various cafes and restaurants offering Venetian cuisine. Popular spots include Caffè Florian, which is located in Piazza San Marco, and the restaurant at the Hotel Danieli, for a more upscale experience.
There are several restaurants in Venice offering vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. Some popular choices include La Zucca (vegetarian) and Al Vaporetto (serving halal options).
There are many hotels near the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace, such as Hotel Danieli, Hotel Antiche Figure, and the Bauer Palazzo, offering luxury accommodations just steps from the main attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Venetian Grand Canal. These can easily be visited in a day trip, as they are all within walking distance of each other.
There are numerous souvenir shops around the Doge’s Palace and Piazza San Marco, selling Venetian masks, Murano glass, lace, and other local crafts.
To continue your trip, you can take a Vaporetto (water bus) from the nearby San Marco station to explore other parts of Venice, or take a gondola ride along the canals. Venice's central location also allows for easy travel to nearby islands like Murano and Burano.
