Bridge of Sighs

I saw this place both from the inside and outside and to say it was beautiful. Walking across from the inside and after understanding the history, you will understand why the prisoners called it the Bridge of Sighs. From the outside as it was carnival, a lot of photo opportunities. We even took a gondola and went underneath it.

If you’re in Venice, you have to check out the Bridge of Sighs – this place is next-level! The architecture? Absolutely stunning. It’s one of those spots that looks like it could’ve come straight out of a dream. The intricate details on the bridge are so cool, and you can’t help but marvel at how it’s stood the test of time. Every corner of Venice seems to have its own historical story, but this one really stands out. The vibe here is just right—it's definitely a popular spot, so there are always people around, but it doesn’t take away from the magic of it all. You can feel the history in the air, and it’s such a unique spot to just take a moment and soak it all in. Whether you’re crossing the bridge or just admiring it from a nearby square, it’s one of those places that just hits you with a sense of wonder. So, yeah, if you're in Venice, don't miss it. It’s one of those iconic places that feels timeless and full of charm. Definitely worth the visit!

If you're in Venice, there's no doubt you're going to head to see the bridge of sighs. You won't be disappointed, the architecture is amazing and the history behind the bridge is fascinating. You can view the bridge from the bridge either side, and walk across the inside of the bridge (to and from the prisons) as part of your Doges palace ticket.

When researching the tourist places to see in Venice, we came upon the Bridge of Sighs. The bridge is beautiful, but I wondered why it got so many good reviews. That's when I read about its history and purpose. Imagine being a prisoner back then, crossing this bridge then seeing the magnificent view of Venice before finally being imprisoned, one could only sigh at the beauty before you. The view is spectacular especially at sunrise / sunset!

Venice is truly a magical place with its unique canals, stunning architecture, and rich history . I am living near with Venice in every month we are going with friends Venice is a beautiful and enchanting city known for its winding canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Its romantic atmosphere, iconic gondola rides, and landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge make it a favorite destination for many.

The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, and seeing it in person was an unforgettable experience. Whether you admire it from the outside or walk through it as part of a visit to the Doge’s Palace, this historic bridge carries a sense of mystery and intrigue. Built in the early 17th century, the bridge connects the Doge’s Palace to the New Prisons and was once the final passage for prisoners before their sentencing. The name comes from the legend that prisoners would sigh as they caught their last glimpse of Venice through the small stone windows before being led to their cells. Standing inside the dimly lit corridor, looking out over the canal, it’s easy to imagine the emotions of those who passed through centuries ago. From the outside, the bridge’s ornate white limestone façade contrasts beautifully with the deep blues and greens of the canal below, making it a stunning sight, especially at sunset. The best views are from Ponte della Paglia, just in front of the Doge’s Palace, or from a gondola ride beneath it—both offering different but equally breathtaking perspectives. Walking across the bridge as part of the Doge’s Palace tour was a highlight. The small, grated windows provide a haunting yet beautiful view of Venice, and knowing its history makes the experience even more powerful. A must-see when visiting Venice—whether for its history, architecture, or simply the romance of its legendary past!

The Bridge of Sighs is a fascinating piece of Venetian history! This iconic bridge connects the Doge’s Palace to the old prison and offers a unique glimpse into the past. Walking through it, you can almost feel the emotions of the prisoners who crossed it on their way to confinement, giving it a somber yet intriguing atmosphere. The view from the outside, especially from the nearby bridges, is beautiful, with its white limestone and picturesque windows. While the interior tour is brief, it’s worth it to experience a bit of Venice’s history firsthand. A must-see for anyone visiting Venice!

The Bridge of Sighs in Venice is a stunning piece of architecture with a history that adds to its mystique. Spanning the Rio di Palazzo, it connects the Doge's Palace to the adjacent prison, offering a glimpse into Venice's past. The bridge’s name comes from the idea that prisoners would sigh as they caught their last view of Venice before their imprisonment. Architecturally, it’s a beautiful example of Baroque design, with its intricate stone carvings and arched windows. The view from the nearby bridges offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the stonework just right. While you can admire the Bridge of Sighs from the outside, the real magic lies in touring the Doge’s Palace, where you can walk through the bridge yourself. Standing inside, it’s easy to imagine the prisoners who once passed through, lending the experience a slightly somber tone. Though it’s often crowded due to its popularity, the Bridge of Sighs is a must-see for anyone visiting Venice. Its beauty, combined with its haunting history, makes it a truly iconic Venetian landmark.

While you are able to see the bridge from the outside, in order to walk through you must have a ticket for Doge's Palace. You can actually walk through the bridge (which I was obsessed with doing) as the final part of the self paced walking tour through the palace. The history for Ponte dei Sospiri runs deep, along with how it got its name... and thinking about those prisoners all those MANY years ago walking towards their cells, peering out at a last look before being locked away is sobering. Palace ticket price worth every bit of the history and architecture included!

Another must see in Venice. Walk from the palace to the prison and see just how brutal people can be. Almost all of it is original and open to the public. Stop by the windows in the palace to see the carvings on the bridge and marvel at the intricate details.

This is another required viewing spot when visiting Venice, be it while going over the Bridge of Sighs during a tour of the Doge palace, or looking from afar while on one of the neighboring crossings. The biggest issue is that it tends to be packed with tourists, like me, AND the 'insta' crowd wanting to take ridiculous amounts of pictures. Take your pictures and get out people, but do go and make sure you research WHY it is called the Bridge of "Sighs"...gulp. The bridge is steeped with history, but not overly lavish, some might consider it underwhelming.

Sigh. It is one of many nay hundreds of must see things in Venice. But the issue is that its packed. When you couple that with always rude insta crowd hogging locations for 20+ minutes taking ridiculous amounts of poses like they are some kind of digital age Ansel Adams, it get tedious. There is photography etiquette that many observe like staying out of someone sightline when they are taking a shot. I waited 10 minutes and then asked as it seemed to have no end. The snarky "influencer" said I will be here a while so I will have to wait. At that point I simply took my place next to her and started taking shots with my DSLR. I am done with the selfie stick crowd and honestly 100 shots of a different head angle or you draped over the bridge rail is beyond excessive. Rant over... The bridge can be seen from another bridge to the side of the Doge's Palace. If you tour the Doge's Palace you get to walk across twice and get interior shots. I have to say the bridge is appropriately named as I would much rather be a guest of the Palace than the jail as it looked predicatively harsh on that side. Aside from the insta asshats is a nice quick stop and you can move onto other attractions.

Ponte dei Sospiri (Lord Byron called it bridge of sighs) is a beautiful enclosed bridge in Venice. It's made of white limestone that looks like marble. It's very popular, and everyone's taking pictures or wants a gondola ride under it. But it doesn't have a romantic story. It connects the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace with the prison. People were sighing with sad feelings, not happiness. From the little windows in the bridge they saw their last view of Venice before going to prisons. But this may be something Lord Byron made up. The bridge was made in 1600 designed by Contino. The little water underneath is the Rio di Palazzo.

Hyped but it has its historical importance Although only a small bridge if you compare to those famous bridges of Venice, but the Bridge of Sighs is one of the most viewed structures in the city and is an important historic landmark. Passing over the Rio di Palazzo, the bridge connects the Prigioni Nuove to Doge's Palace. it is situated in the city center near the Piazza San Marco. Near to St. Mark's Square. Why it is called Bridge of Sigh - Legend has it, it was part of the Doge's Palace prison complex, and convicts had to cross it to go from the Doge's interrogation rooms to the New Prison once they received their sentence. That as criminals were taken from the Palace over the bridge, they would cast once last glimpse at Venice and sigh; Well if you visiting Doge's Palace, then you can see it from inside and feel it. We did not go inside though. And Bridge is always crowded for the photo.

I can only imagine the countless sighs uttered as prisoners passed this bridge to the Doge's prisons after being sentenced. It is a bridge over the river palace of the Doge. It is not far from the famous St. Mark Square. I could see if I was a prisoner walking this bridge and catching my last glimpse of this beautiful city before being carted off to prison for who knows how long. A had a moment of silence and let out a sign as I looked onto this bridge, thinking of all of the souls that passed this bridge once upon a time.

The view from this bridge was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. You can get a great view of as you explore the prisons at Doge's Palace or from the bridge facing the Bridge of Sighs. Plus in the warmer days, it provides a nice cooling breeze as you walk around exploring Doge's Palace.

Ponte dei sospiri crosses the canal from the interrogation rooms in the Doges Palace to the dungeons, therefore the name, Bridge of Sighs. Seen from the outside to the right of the Palace from the first bridge. If touring the Doges Palace you cross it on the inside, like the prisoners

This historic bridge connects the Doge's Palace with its prisons and was named for the condemned prisoners who crossed it to meet their executioners. It was nice. The canal under it makes for great picture taking. Don't spend more than 15 minutes admiring it.

There's a lot of bridges in Venice, but this one has a bit of a creepy dark history. Prisoners would have to pass over this bridge as they were on the way to being locked up, so you can imagine the emotions that travelled across that bridge. It's also going over a canal that the sunlight doesn't hit quite as easily really adding to the slightly ominous atmosphere!