The original pearl of Venice - the ancient Rialto Bridge

Tourists call the mysterious Venice a museum in the open air: a fantastically beautiful city is famous for its squares, canals, palaces and, of course, stunning beauty bridges. Every day thousands of tourists are eager to visit a living fairy tale on the water and imbue with a romantic atmosphere. The greatness of the architectural masterpieces of Venice is simply amazing, these are real works of art, leaving an indelible impression on all lovers who have been to the city. One of them, the most ancient one, will be discussed today.

History of construction

The ancient Rialto Bridge is rightfully called the visiting card of Venice. Until the 19th century, only this structure connected the banks of the Grand Canal. All previously constructed wooden bridges collapsed, unable to withstand human weight, or were destroyed by fire. The authorities began to think about erecting the first stone bridge, because multiple shops, located at the crossing, brought a considerable income to the city treasury. In the 16th century, a competition was announced for the best project of a solid bridge, the winner of which was Antonio de Ponte.

Violating the canon project

By the way, contemporaries did not understand the choice and gossiped that the elderly architect was chosen only because of the sonorous name, translated as "bridge". It was strange that his project bypassed the project of Michelangelo himself, in addition, the architect proposed the construction with one, rather than a few arches, as was customary at that time. But we must pay tribute to the genius of the master, who designed the favorite place for tourists - in its original form came to the present day the Rialto Bridge. It is believed that this project was most consistent with the spirit of the time, besides, it did not require a lot of money. It is interesting that the architect violated all the canons of building bridges, reducing the height of his offspring.

And as a result, in the narrowest point of the artery, along which transport ships are running, the Rialto Bridge was built. The canal of palaces (the Grand Canal) permeates all of Venice, and the amazing structure became the first paved through it. Later, three more bridges were built, but Rialto is considered the most beautiful of them.

The grandiose structure

A unique monument of architecture was named on behalf of the islands of Rivoalto, which from Latin translates as "high shore". It was on them that immigrants who fled from the shores of the Venetian Gulf have long sought shelter from the invasion of the Huns. Later, the islands turned into a city in which it is today a truly stunning construction.

The Rialto Bridge was built without a reinforcement in the form of a metal frame, and 12 thousand piles for a special strength in the bottom. One-arched covered bridge, lined with marble and decorated with reliefs, has a height above the water of seven and a half meters. Thanks to this, large vessels pass freely under the passage. The grandiose structure immediately becomes the busiest place, and to this day it is unusually popular among visitors, and on the pier near the bridge there is a large parking nacelle. Every day about seven thousand tourists visit the most ancient landmark.

Tips for travelers who decided to visit the Rialto Bridge (Venice)

Tourists aspire to walk around the local architectural monument, buy souvenirs in numerous shopping arcades and make vivid photos. Local guides are advised to make wishes, as soon as the gondola is under the Venetian bridge. And ancient legends say that all lovers will be inseparable and happy if they kiss each other in this place.

Due to the fact that the Rialto Bridge is erected in a rather narrow place, its capacity is very low, and therefore it is necessary to expect to pass through it. Inexhaustible flows of tourists are explained not only by the historical value and beauty of Rialto, on it are modern boutiques that sell expensive jewelry, souvenirs made of leather, world-famous Venetian masks. Guides warn that the prices here are unusually high, so people with a limited budget will only have to enjoy the sight of the business card of Venice. Since early morning, fish and fruit markets are beginning to work on the bridge, selling only fresh produce. It must be remembered that Sunday is a non-working day for all stores, so in the day off you can only contemplate the beautiful view that opens onto the Grand Canal.

Restoration of the bridge

Surprisingly, the Rialto Bridge is beautifully portrayed. Venice considers it its own symbol and cares about its restoration. The innumerable number of tourists becomes the reason for the destruction of the Italian pearl. The radiographs of the underwater and ground parts of the bridge revealed considerable wear and tear, which requires immediate restoration. The restoration, planned in 2012, was postponed due to the lack of such serious works. It was planned to open a bridge for tourists in May, but reconstruction is still under way.

In November in Florence a seminar was held on the problems of the restoration of urban monuments, during which experts from Moscow met with foreign colleagues. Our delegation visited Venice and inspected the Rialto Bridge. Italy shared with Russia the secrets of restoration work to save unique masterpieces of world culture.

I want to believe that the protracted restoration will end, and millions of tourists will enjoy the view of the renewed sights of Venice.