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Rialto
2011.01.15
December 29 & 31, 2010
The first dry crossing of the Grand Canal was a pontoon bridge built in 1181 by Nicolò Barattieri. It was called the Ponte della Moneta, presumably because of the mint that stood near its eastern entrance.
The development and importance of the Rialto market on the eastern bank increased traffic on the floating bridge, so it was replaced in 1255 by a wooden bridge. This structure had two inclined ramps meeting at a movable central section, that could be raised to allow the passage of tall ships. The connection with the market eventually led to a change of name for the bridge. During the first half of the 15th century two rows of shops were built along the sides of the bridge. The rents brought an income to the State Treasury, which helped maintain the bridge.
Maintenance was vital for the timber bridge. It was partly burnt in the revolt led by Bajamonte Tiepolo in 1310. In 1444 it collapsed under the weight of a crowd watching a boat parade and it collapsed again in 1524.
The idea of rebuilding the bridge in stone was first proposed in 1503. Several projects were considered over the following decades. In 1551 the authorities requested proposals for the renewal of the Rialto Bridge, among other things. Plans were offered by famous architects such as Jacopo Sansovino, Palladio and Vignola, but all involved a Classical approach with several arches, which was judged inappropriate to the situation. Even the great Michelangelo was considered as designer of the bridge.
The present stone bridge, a single span designed by Antonio da Ponte, was finally completed in 1591. It is remarkably similar to the wooden bridge it succeeded. Two inclined ramps lead up to a central portico. On either side of the portico the covered ramps carry rows of shops. The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious that architect Vincenzo Scamozzi predicted future ruin. The bridge has defied its critics to become one of the architectural icons of Venice.
The first dry crossing of the Grand Canal was a pontoon bridge built in 1181 by Nicolò Barattieri. It was called the Ponte della Moneta, presumably because of the mint that stood near its eastern entrance.
The development and importance of the Rialto market on the eastern bank increased traffic on the floating bridge, so it was replaced in 1255 by a wooden bridge. This structure had two inclined ramps meeting at a movable central section, that could be raised to allow the passage of tall ships. The connection with the market eventually led to a change of name for the bridge. During the first half of the 15th century two rows of shops were built along the sides of the bridge. The rents brought an income to the State Treasury, which helped maintain the bridge.
Maintenance was vital for the timber bridge. It was partly burnt in the revolt led by Bajamonte Tiepolo in 1310. In 1444 it collapsed under the weight of a crowd watching a boat parade and it collapsed again in 1524.
The idea of rebuilding the bridge in stone was first proposed in 1503. Several projects were considered over the following decades. In 1551 the authorities requested proposals for the renewal of the Rialto Bridge, among other things. Plans were offered by famous architects such as Jacopo Sansovino, Palladio and Vignola, but all involved a Classical approach with several arches, which was judged inappropriate to the situation. Even the great Michelangelo was considered as designer of the bridge.
The present stone bridge, a single span designed by Antonio da Ponte, was finally completed in 1591. It is remarkably similar to the wooden bridge it succeeded. Two inclined ramps lead up to a central portico. On either side of the portico the covered ramps carry rows of shops. The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious that architect Vincenzo Scamozzi predicted future ruin. The bridge has defied its critics to become one of the architectural icons of Venice.
15
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Great post & history.
joycephotography · 2011-01-15: 12:13
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Breat colourful post - like the sunlight in these. Thank you also for the history - I learn so much from your posts
cariad · 2011-01-15: 12:19
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Wow Magnifiques prises de vue Mes fav sont #1,4 Tout y est: composition, angle de prise de vue, luminosité, romantisme Merci pour ce partage:))
helys · 2011-01-15: 12:21
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Spendid bridge !
jendayee · 2011-01-15: 12:38
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the bridge is really beautiful,I like these photos,But what is written on the doors? who spoiled everything!
krasotulichka · 2011-01-15: 13:48
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Wonderful to see this icon of Venice! Thanks for all the info. The first shot is my favorite!
darfoster · 2011-01-15: 16:16
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Beautiful !!
finbarr · 2011-01-15: 18:11
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Wonderful shots. Shame about the graffiti on to bridge.
Jarvo · 2011-01-15: 18:14
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superbe série !
domelia · 2011-01-15: 19:18
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Nice set!!
agandia · 2011-01-15: 21:52
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Very nice post!
????? · 2011-01-15: 22:36
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Magnifiques photos de ce pont tellement célèbre. ce qui l'est moins c'est son histoire. Merci de nous l'avoir racontée. La dernière est superbe et je crois ma préférée
josy63 · 2011-01-16: 11:28
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One day I will go to Venice. Looks so beautiful (even with the graffitti)
SADHYA · 2011-01-16: 17:02
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superbe set!!
Davorka · 2011-01-18: 10:55
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And what an icon it is!
atszabo · 2011-02-08: 18:00
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