The Rialto Bridge, also known as the "White Giant," is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, a port city on the Adriatic Sea in northern Italy. Located north of St. Mark's Square, it was originally a wooden drawbridge and was called the "Bridge of Wealth" because it was a bustling hub for banks and commodity exchanges. However, it collapsed under the weight of spectators during a duchess's wedding and was also damaged by fire, leading to a proposal to replace it with a stone bridge. It was rebuilt as a marble arch bridge and completed in 1591. When the bridge was rebuilt, the Republic of Venice solicited design proposals, and Michelangelo also submitted a proposal, but Antonio da Ponte's design was chosen. When viewed from the side, it is a humpback bridge shaped like the Japanese character "he," and souvenir shops line the bridge, making it one of Venice's tourist attractions.
A view of the Grand Canal from the north of the Rialto Bridge. The tower towering in the background on the right is the Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo.
Shops line both sides of the steps leading up to the Rialto Bridge, bustling with tourists seeking popular Venetian souvenirs such as masks, Venetian glass products, precious metals, and leather goods.
From the center of the bridge, you can see the Grand Canal. Medieval buildings line both sides of the gently flowing canal. Cafes and restaurants line the canal, and you can see tourists elegantly enjoying coffee by the water. You can also admire the beautiful scenery of numerous gondolas, vaporettos (water buses), and motoscafes (water taxis) passing by.
Gondolas, which have long been a means of transportation in Venice, are now an essential attraction for sightseeing in the city. Although there is a basic fare, it may be possible to get a small discount if you negotiate, so don't hesitate to ask. First, look for a boarding area with a green sign that says "GONDORE" and request a gondola from a gondolier (rower) wearing a striped shirt. The basic fare per gondola is €80 for 40 minutes (approximately 11,200 yen), with an additional €40 (approximately 5,600 yen) for every 20 minutes thereafter. After 7 PM, the fare is €100 for 40 minutes (approximately 14,000 yen), with an additional €50 (approximately 7,000 yen) for every 20 minutes thereafter. Up to 6 people can ride, but it is also possible to charter a gondola for just a couple or honeymoon. Prices vary depending on the size of the gondola and the season, so be sure to check before boarding. One important point to be aware of is the misconception that every gondolier will sing. Generally, gondoliers are solely rowers and do not sing. Be aware that some can sing and others cannot, and confirm this beforehand. Singing usually incurs an extra charge, so it's a good idea to give a tip of €5 (about 700 yen).
While exploring on foot is enjoyable, the views of the narrow, winding back alleys from the water, which can only be experienced from a gondola, are truly spectacular. Now, next, I'll introduce the world's oldest cafe, founded in 1720!
