Did You Know?

Did you know that Venice experiences an annual phenomenon called "Acqua Alta"? During certain times of the year, particularly in winter, high tides cause flooding in some parts of the city. Wooden walkways, known as "pontoon" bridges, are temporarily set up to allow pedestrians to navigate through the flooded areas.

Did you know that Venice is known as the "Floating City" or "City of Water"? This nickname is due to the absence of roads and cars within the historic center of Venice. Instead, transportation is primarily conducted by boats and water taxis, making it a truly distinctive and charming city to explore.

Did you know that Venice has over 400 footbridges? These bridges play a crucial role in connecting different parts of the city, spanning the canals and allowing pedestrians to move around. The most famous and iconic bridge in Venice is the Rialto Bridge, which dates back to the late 16th century.

Did you know that Venice is home to the world's oldest operating casino? The Casino di Venezia, located in the Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi, opened in 1638 and continues to welcome visitors to try their luck at various games of chance in a historic setting.

Venice, Italy is built on more than 100 small islands and has over 400 bridges connecting them all together. The city has no roads, only canals and footpaths.

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The Legends Of The Bridge Of Sighs

Scenic view of the historic Bridge of Sighs, an iconic Venetian landmark with a romantic atmosphere

The Bridge of Sighs, in Venice, Italy, is assuredly one of the most famous bridges in the world, but people who initially hear its name and do not see it in writing, sometimes think it is called the Bridge of Size, incorrectly assuming it is large. In fact, the Bridge of Sighs is only about 11 metres (33 feet) long, and connects two buildings, stretching over the Rio di Palazzo (Palace River).

Believed by some locals to be haunted, this bridge once connected the spartan interrogation rooms at the Doge’s Palace to the next-door prison. The “sighs” are thought to be those of agonized prisoners, and some claim they still echo on the bridge’s interior. The prisoners who crossed that bridge after it was built over three years ending in 1603 had bleak futures...

Fully enclosed to prevent potential escape, the bridge is made of white limestone. It boasts windows, but even those have stone bars in the form of decorative latticework. It’s a true work of art, if viewed from the freedom of outside. These days, it has become a place of good luck, not sad sighs. Romantics believe that if a pair of lovers kiss under the bridge, in a gondola, at sunset, they will enjoy eternal happiness.