Landmarks of Venice: Rialto Bridge and Medieval Market

Construction of a stone pedestrian bridge of Rialto, today is one of the correspondence attractions of the Venetian Grand Canal, was completed in 1591. Project author – Architect Antonio de Ponte. The elegant bridge connected the San Polo district, where the most ancient market of Venice is still located – Rialto, and the San Marco district.

Length of the bridge – 28 meters, width – 23 meters, the maximum height of the arch in the central part is 7.5 meters. This allows the ships to pass freely through the canal. Heavy stone construction holds on 12 thousand piles. In arched galleries there are shopping shops in which tourists can purchase traditional Venetian souvenirs.

In the Middle Ages in the market Rialto wagon trade, Venetian merchants were held here rare goods from all over the world – from fur from Russia to rare spices from the East. Also here you can always buy fresh fish, meat, vegetables and fruits. Later at the foot of the stone bridge, Rialto is located stores selling coal and wine. Over time, trading orders were extended towards San Marco Square – here traded silk and glass. The modern market is divided into two parts: this is a separate fish pavilion (Pescheria), where you can buy fresh seafood, and grocery rows (Erberia), where they sell meat, vegetables, fruits and local specialties.

Rialto Bridge – First Stone Bridge of Venice, a long time remaining the only bridge over the Grand Channel
Rialto market view
In the fish pavilion of the market you can find any marine delicacies