Ponte Chiodo
Rio di san Felice, Venice, Italy, 30121
Ponte Chiodo is located in Venice’s delightfully off-the-beaten-track Cannaregio neighborhood, away from the crowds of St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) and the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto). While it’s one of over 400 bridges that connect the Venetian archipelago, this small stone structure has an unusual distinction: It is among the last bridges in Venice that has no hand railings or parapets, as these protection measures were added across most Venetian bridges in the 19th century.
The basics
While many visitors rush through Venice with lists of must-see attractions, the down-to-earth Cannaregio district is meant to be strolled through and savored, not ticked off an itinerary. Admiring Ponte Chiodo—named after the Venetian noble family that once lived here—takes only a few minutes. The bridge makes for an excellent photo opportunity: Pose for a picture with the emerald-green lagoon beneath you. Don’t miss visiting the Jewish Ghetto, a 10-minute walk away.
Things to know before you go
If traveling with small children, don’t let them cross the bridge unattended. The lack of safety rails can make it dangerous.
Consider booking a neighborhood tour if you’re interested in learning more about Ponte Chiodo’s history.
You’ll find a range of food and drink options around here: Cannaregio is a great place to grab canal-side cicchetti, the small Venetian snacks served with aperitivo.
How to get there
Ponte Chiodo is about a 20-minute walk from St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), near the much larger Ponte de la Misericordia, and close to the Ca' Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna. To get there, you may need to cross the lagoon using a vaporetto or water bus. The nearest stop to Ponte Chiodo is Ca’ D’Oro on Line 1.
When to get there
The bridge is open daily year-round, so visit whenever works best with your travel plans. In general, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are great times for a trip to Venice. In winter, you’ll find fewer crowds and an easier time making restaurant reservations, but cold winds can make boat rides unpleasant (and the lagoon waters can be surprisingly choppy).
Other famous bridges in Venice
Don’t miss Ponte dell’Accademia, one of only four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. The most iconic of the four is the Rialto Bridge, a covered structure lined with shops and souvenir stands. The Bridge of Sighs is a familiar name to anyone who has visited Doge’s Palace, as this picturesque covered crossing connects the famous ducal residence to the archipelago’s new prisons.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!