The Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Italy

• by George Bailey • Published: July 14, 2007

The Bridge of Sighs is a world-renowned landmark. Constructed on the side of Piazza San Marco, the bridge conveys people right through the heart of Venice. Among the seven wonders of the world, The Bridge of Sighs, along with the Ponte di Rialto, is one of the most studied and admired examples of bridge-architecture in existence. Its name, given by the Romantic of Romantics, Lord Byron, has misled many to associate the structure with lovers' sighs. In fact, the bridge connects what in the 16th century were gaols, called Piombi (Leads), and was therefore along the route prisoners would be taken to the interrogation rooms in the Palazzo Ducale. A story has circulated stipulating the famous "sighs" belonged, not to lovers, but to convicts, for the last view of Venice they would be granted before their imprisonment would be through the window in the middle of the bride at La Serenissima. There are two copies of the bridge, both located in England: one in Cambridge, the other in Oxford. The Bridge of Sighs has inspired poetry and legend all over the world: a sight that lasts many lifetimes.