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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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Discover The Enchantment Of The Rialto Bridge

Rialo Bidge one of the best Things to do in Venice

The Rialto Bridge that spans the Grand Canal in Venice is famous for several things. First, you can shop there as it is lined with small shops (their rent and taxes contributing to the upkeep of the bridge). At its ends, you can stare down upon the waterway traffic below, water taxis, water-busses, gondolas and commercial traffic. And then there are the lovers; nobody can guess the number of marriage proposals that have occurred on the romantic Rialto Bridge.

The oldest and still functioning of the four main bridges that cross the Grand Canal, Rialto is designed for pedestrian traffic only. In Italian it is Ponte di Rialto, and it began as a pontoon bridge in the 12th century. But fires destroyed it, and it was rebuilt — using wood — and a 1310 fire all but wiped it out. Venetian officials decided then next incarnation should be of stone, and among others, Michelangelo was one of the architects.

During the Renaissance, the bridge was started in 1558 and completed in 1591, with one major central arch high enough for almost any boat traffic (of the time) to pass through. It is 48 metres (157 feet) long, 23 metres (75 feet) wide, and has a clearance under the main single arch of 7.5 metres (24 feet). But what matters to visitors is its staggering beauty, detail and romanticism.