Bridge of Sighs
Bridge of Sighs Ponte dei Sospiri | |
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Coordinates | 45°26′03″N12°20′27″E/ 45.43406°N 12.34086°E |
Crosses | Rio di Palazzo |
Characteristics | |
Design | Arch bridge |
Material | Istrian stone |
Total length | 11 metres (36 ft) |
History | |
Designer | Antonio Contin |
Construction start | 1600 (year) |
Construction end | 1603 (year) |
Location | |
Click on the map for a fullscreen view |
TheBridge of Sighs(Italian:Ponte dei Sospiri,Venetian:Ponte de i Sospiri) is a bridge inVenice,Italy. The enclosed bridge is made of white limestone, has windows with stone bars, passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in theDoge's Palace.It was designed byAntonio Contino,whose uncleAntonio da Pontedesigned theRialto Bridge.It was built in 1600.[1]
Etymology[edit]
The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. The bridge's English name was bestowed byLord Byronin the 19th century as a translation from the Italian "Ponte dei sospiri",[2][3]from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells.[4][5]
In culture[edit]
Numerous other bridges around the world have been nicknamed after the Bridge of Sighs — seeBridge of Sighs (disambiguation).
The 1861 operaLe pont des soupirs( "The Bridge of Sighs" ) byJacques Offenbachhas the name of the bridge as a title.
The Bridge of Sighs features heavily in the plot of the 1979 filmA Little Romance.One of the characters tells of a tradition that if a couple kiss in a gondola beneath the Bridge of Sighs in Venice at sunset while the church bells toll, they will be in love forever.
Bridge of Sighsis the title of the second solo studio album released in April 1974 by English rock guitarist and songwriter,Robin Trower.
A Bridge of Sighs is mentioned in the opening line of “Itchycoo Park”by theSmall Faces.
Marillion,an Englishprogressive rockband, mentions this particular bridge in their songJigsaw.('We are renaissance children becalmed beneath the Bridge of Sighs').[6]
Giles Corey,an American slowcore band, likewise mentions this bridge in their songNo One Is Ever Going To Want Me.[7]
Renowned American architectH. H. Richardsonused the bridge as inspiration when designing part of theAllegheny County Jailcomplex in Pittsburgh.It was completed in 1888 and features a similar enclosed arched walkway that connects the courthouse and jail, therefore bearing the same name.
Gallery[edit]
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Bridge of Sighs from the bridge in front of it
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The bridge that stands between the Bridge of Sighs and the Grand Canal, as seen from the Bridge of Sighs itself
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The Bridge of Sighs during maintenance
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John Singer Sargentwatercolor
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The Bridge of Sighs seen from Ponte della Canonica
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Lateral view from Doge's Palace
See also[edit]
- Bridge of Lies– another bridge with legends regarding its name
- List of buildings and structures in Venice
- History of the Doge's Palace in Venice
References[edit]
- ^"Five Remarkable Bridges that are more than 400-Years-Old".Internet Archive.History of Bridges. Archived fromthe originalon 7 May 2021.Retrieved26 May2022.
- ^"Bridge of Sighs - Legend, Design and Interesting Facts".History Channel on Foxtel. 21 July 2013. Archived fromthe originalon 27 March 2019.Retrieved26 June2017.
- ^Byron, George Gordon Byron Baron (4 January 1863)."The Poetical Works of Lord Byron: with Life of the Author and Copious Notes. Beautifully Illustrated. Family Edition".Milner&Sowerby – via Google Books.
- ^"The Grim History of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice".20 January 2017.
- ^Thomas, Keith."The Bridge of Sighs".Quest Ministries.Archived fromthe originalon 8 September 2021.Retrieved8 September2021.
- ^"Jigsaw Songtext".Internet Archive.songtexte.com. Archived fromthe originalon 5 December 2020.Retrieved26 May2022.
- ^"No One Is Ever Going To Want Me".Internet Archive.genius.com. Archived fromthe originalon 15 October 2021.Retrieved26 May2022.
External links[edit]
- Bridge of Sighs, Venice
- Bridge of SighsatStructurae
- . .1914.
- Bridge of Sighstravel guide from Wikivoyage
Preceded by Venetian Arsenal |
Venice landmarks Bridge of Sighs |
Succeeded by Ca' d'Oro |