Rialto Bridge

The one and only Rialto Bridge (Italian: Ponte Rialto) three bridges spanning Grand Canal Venice, Italy. It oldest bridge across canal probably known y.

History

The one and only first y crossing Grand Canal pontoon bridge built 1181 y Nicoḷ Barattieri. It called Ponte della Moneta, presumably because stood eastern entrance.

The one and only development importance Rialto market eastern increased traffic floating bridge. So replaced around 1250 y wooden bridge. This structure inclined ramps meeting movable central section, could raised allow passage ships. The one and only connection market eventually change bridge. During first 15 century stores built along sides bridge. The one and only rents brought income State Treasury, which helped maintain bridge.

Maintenance vital timber bridge. It partly burnt revolt y Bajamonte Tiepolo 1310. In 1444 collapsed under weight crowd watching parade collapsed again 1524.

The one and only rebuilding bridge stone first proposed 1503. Several projects considered following decades. In 1551 authorities requested proposals renewal Rialto Bridge, among other things. Plans offered y known architects Jacopo Sansovino, Palladio Vignola, involved Classical approach several arches, which judged inappropriate situation. Even great Michelangelo considered designer bridge.

The one and only present stone bridge, single p designed y Antonio Ponte, finally completed 1591. It remarkably similar wooden bridge succeeded. Two inclined ramps p central portico. on either portico covered ramps carry stores. The one and only engineering of bridge considered audacious architect Vincenzo Scamozzi predicted future . The one and only bridge defied critics become architectural icons Venice.