Its curved profile, suspended over the Rio di Palazzo, is one of the most notorious trademarks of Venice.
The Bridge of Sighs’ name is based on a legend, which says that in Serenissima’s time the prisoners, crossing the bridge, sighing at the standpoint of seeing for the last time the outside world.
However, the legend is totally unfounded, partly because there is almost nothing to see from that angle.
The name sighs indicate only the last breath of the prisoners in the free world because, once convicted in the kingdom of Dogi they never could go back.
The emblem displayed on the bridge shows that it was built in between the 16th and 17th century, in Istrian stone, white and elegant.
Today, its symbol is over-romantic in connection with the sight of the lover’s walks in the gondola. It is perhaps the biggest attractions in Venice, and it is said that if a couple passes under the Bridge of Sighs their love will last forever.