The Rialto Bridge is one of four bridges, along with the Accademia Bridge, the Scalzi Bridge and the Constitution Bridge, that cross the Grand Canal in the city of Venice. Of the four, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest and certainly the most famous.
The current single-arch stone bridge, built by Andrea Da Ponte in collaboration with his nephew Antonio Contin, was completed in 1591 during the dogeship of Pasquale Cicogna. Regarding its design, Da Ponte was likely the coordinator, but Alvise Baldù and Vincenzo Scamozzi are also credited with it. The structure is very similar to the previous wooden bridge, indicating the soundness of the original concept. Two inclined ramps, with shops on both sides, lead to a central section. The entire bridge is covered by a portico. The design was considered by some to be too ambitious from an engineering perspective, to the point that according to architect Vincenzo Scamozzi, the bridge would collapse. However, the bridge still stands today and has become one of Venice's architectural symbols.
