Bridge of Sighs

The Basics

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most photographed sights in Venice. Its ornate stonework design was created in 1603 by Antonio Contino, nephew of the architect who designed the Rialto Bridge. The structure got its name from the tale that asserts convicts who passed through the covered bridge from their interrogation to their prison cell would let out mournful sighs when catching their final glimpse of Venice through the barred windows. You can sigh over this same view while walking over the bridge during a tour of the Doge's Palace, the only way to make the crossing.

Both the palace and St. Mark's Basilica host millions of visitors each year, so it is important to book a guided tour for skip-the-line access, saving hours of time in long lines. Joining a small-group walking tour is an excellent way to see the highlights in and around St. Mark's Square, accompanied by a tour guide who can explain this fascinating city's history and architecture.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Bridge of Sighs is most striking as seen from the outside. From St. Mark's Square, walk around the corner of Doge’s Palace along the Grand Canal; as you cross the first bridge, look to your left. Otherwise, for a more romantic (and less crowded) view, take a gondola ride under the iconic bridge.

• For an even deeper dive into the political history of the Republic of Venice, consider an official Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries tour, which includes visits to some of the historic governmental halls deep inside the palace.

• Large backpacks, bags, and umbrellas are not allowed inside; there is a free cloakroom near the palace entrance.

• Parts of Doge’s Palace, including the Secret Itineraries route and Bridge of Sighs, are not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

S. Zaccaria is the closest vaporetto stop to Piazza San Marco. Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and well-connected by train to Rome, Florence, and Milan.

When to Get There

Doge's Palace is among the most visited sights in Venice and can get unpleasantly full of tourists during the peak midday hours. Booking a skip-the-line tour is imperative during the months of April through October and also recommended even during winter , the least crowded time to visit.

Lord Byron and the Bridges of Sighs

Much of the Bridge of Sighs’ fame is due to poet Lord Byron (1788–1824), who mentioned it in his long narrative poemChilde Harold's Pilgrimage.

Ways to explore

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most photographed sights in Venice, thanks to its ornate stonework design and moving backstory. You can sigh, as convicts once did, over the view while walking the bridge during a tour of the Doge’s Palace—the only way to make its crossing. Book a guided tour for skip-the-line access to save time at the incredibly popular palace, see it from below on a gondola ride, or learn about the bridge from the outside on a small-group walking tour of the city that will cover the many highlights in and around St. Mark’s Square.

Accessibility

The interior of the Bridge of Sighs is not accessible to visitors using wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, bottled water, cash for tips

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers (if visiting outside of summer)

Not allowed

Large backpacks and bags are not permitted inside. Smaller bags and umbrellas must be left in the cloakroom, free of charge.

Amenities

Café, cloakroom, bookshop

Address

Access to the Bridge of Sighs is only possible when touring inside the Doge’s Palace. It sits on the western side of the building, just up from the Ponte della Paglia.

Driving

Leave your car on the mainland in Mestre, or drive over the Ponte della Libertà and use a parking lot in Santa Chiara or Tronchetto. From there, walk or travel by water to reach the palace.

Public transportation

To reach the palace via public transportation, take vaporetto line 1 or 2 and travel along the Grand Canal to the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop at Piazza San Marco.

Best times to visit

Visit first thing in the morning or wait until the evening to avoid the peak midday hours, when the palace is most crowded with tourists.

Best days to visit

During the high season, visit on a Friday or Saturday during extended palace visiting hours, usually the quietest time to visit.

Best months to visit

November through March are the quietest times to visit Venice. Peak crowds arrive April through October, though the winter Carnival festivities can also be busy.