Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is Venice's most poetic path 

The Bridge of Sighs is hauntingly beautiful. It spans the canal between the Doge's Palace and the old prison. Prisoners are said to have sighed as they looked out at Venice one last time through the tiny windows before being led to their cells. Whether or not the story is true doesn't really matter—it's how it makes you feel. 

The bridge is a closed white stone tunnel with intricate artistic details. You can get one of the best views of it from the outside, often from the Ponte della Paglia. From the inside—accessible via a tour of the Doge's Palace—you can look down into the canal below through the small openings. 

The Bridge of Sighs reveals the dramatic side of Venice. It’s romantic, somber, and iconic. What makes it special isn’t just the architecture, but also the stories echoing through its walls.