Genuine gem of Venice - the ancient Ri alto Bridge

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

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

Construction history

Ancient Ri alto Bridge is rightly called the hallmark of Venice. Until the 19th century, only this structure connected the banks of the Grand Canal. All previously built wooden bridges collapsed, unable to withstand human weight, or destroyed by fire. The authorities began to think about building the first stone bridge, because the multiple shops located at the crossing brought considerable income to the city treasury. In the 16th century, a competition was announced for the best design of a durable bridge, the winner of which was Antonio de Ponte.

Violating the canons project

By the way, contemporaries did not understand the choice and gossiped that the elderly architect was chosen only because of the sonorous surname, translated as "bridge". It was strange that his projectbypassed the project of Michelangelo himself, in addition, the architect proposed a structure with one, and not several 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 - the Ri alto Bridge has survived to this day in its original form. It is believed that this project most of all corresponded to the spirit of that time, besides, it did not require large expenses. It is interesting that the architect violated all the canons of bridge construction by lowering the height of his offspring.

And as a result, in the narrowest part of the artery along which transport ships go, the Ri alto Bridge was built. The Canal of Palaces (Grand Canal) permeates all of Venice, and the amazing structure was the first to be laid through it. Later, 3 more bridges were built, but Ri alto is considered the most beautiful of them.

Great building

The unique architectural monument was named after the Rivo alto Islands, which is translated from Latin as "high coast". It was on them that the settlers who fled from the shores of the Gulf of Venice, who saved their lives from the invasion of the Huns, have long found shelter. Later, the islands turned into a city, in which this truly amazing building is located today.

The Ri alto Bridge was built without reinforcement in the form of a metal frame, and 12,000 piles were driven into the bottom for extra strength. The single-arch covered bridge, lined with marble and decorated with reliefs, has a height of seven and a half meters above the water. Thanks to this underlarge ships pass freely through the span. The grandiose building immediately becomes the busiest place, and to this day it is extremely popular among visitors, and on the pier near the bridge there is a large gondola parking lot. About seven thousand tourists visit the ancient attraction every day.

Tips for travelers who decide to visit the Ri alto Bridge (Venice)

Tourists tend to walk along the local monument of architecture, buy souvenirs in numerous shopping arcades and take vivid photos. Local guides advise making 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 Ri alto Bridge was built in a rather narrow place, its capacity is very low, and therefore you have to wait to go through it. The inexhaustible streams of tourists are explained not only by the historical value and beauty of Ri alto, but there are modern boutiques selling expensive jewelry, leather souvenirs, world-famous Venetian masks. Guides warn that prices here are unusually high, so those on a budget will have to enjoy only the sight of Venice's calling card. From early morning, fish and fruit markets begin to operate on the bridge, selling only fresh products. It must be remembered that Sunday is a non-working day for all stores here, so on the weekend you can only contemplate the beautifulview overlooking the Grand Canal.

Bridge restoration

Surprisingly, indescribably beautiful arched Ri alto Bridge. Venice considers it its symbol and takes care of its restoration. A myriad of tourists causes the destruction of the Italian pearl. X-rays of the underwater and surface parts of the bridge revealed significant wear and tear, requiring immediate restoration. The restoration, planned in 2012, was postponed due to the lack of a contractor for such serious work. It was planned to open the bridge for tourists in May, but the reconstruction is still underway.

In November, Florence hosted a seminar on the problems of restoration of city monuments, during which specialists from Moscow met with foreign colleagues. Our delegation visited Venice and examined the Ri alto Bridge. Italy shared with Russia the secrets of restoration work to save the unique masterpieces of world culture.

I would like to believe that the protracted restoration will end, and millions of tourists will enjoy the view of the renovated sights of Venice.