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Explore the Bridge of Sighs: Connecting Doge's Palace to New Prisons

4.3(21.6K Ratings)

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View of Doge's Palace in Venice
A female guide giving directions to a tourist in front of St. Mark’s Basilica
Сourtyard of Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Venice, Italy
Saint Mark's Basilica
Inside Doge Palace Chambers in Venice
Details of the Scala d'Oro ceiling, tour of Doge's Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica
Tourists outside St Mark's Basilica - Plan your visit
Interior of the St Mark's Basilica, Venice, Italy
Aerial view of the St. Marks Square and Royal Palace Museum
View of Doge's Palace in Venice
A female guide giving directions to a tourist in front of St. Mark’s Basilica
Сourtyard of Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Venice, Italy
Saint Mark's Basilica
Inside Doge Palace Chambers in Venice
Details of the Scala d'Oro ceiling, tour of Doge's Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica
Tourists outside St Mark's Basilica - Plan your visit
Interior of the St Mark's Basilica, Venice, Italy
Aerial view of the St. Marks Square and Royal Palace Museum
View of Doge's Palace in Venice
A female guide giving directions to a tourist in front of St. Mark’s Basilica
Сourtyard of Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Venice, Italy
Saint Mark's Basilica
Inside Doge Palace Chambers in Venice
Details of the Scala d'Oro ceiling, tour of Doge's Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica
Tourists outside St Mark's Basilica - Plan your visit
Interior of the St Mark's Basilica, Venice, Italy
Aerial view of the St. Marks Square and Royal Palace Museum
Guided Tours
4.3(2.5K)

Venice Icons: St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

from
€69
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr.
  • Walk through the most legendary Venetian neighborhoods and tour St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, all with an expert guide.
  • Don't waste time in queues and discover biblical sculptures and geometric marble inlays within the 5-domed basilica of St. Mark.
  • Understand the political relevance of the Doge's Palace as you admire artworks like Federico Zuccari's Barbarossa kisses the Pope's foot in lavish rooms like the Great Council Chamber.
  • Enjoy dedicated attention in your preferred language – choose between an English, Italian, German, Spanish or French-speaking guide.
  • Your exploration doesn't just stop there! This ticket also gives you access to treasures of the Biblioteca Marciana and the Archaeological Museum.
  • Walk through the most legendary Venetian neighborhoods and tour St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, all with an expert guide.
  • Don't waste time in queues and discover biblical sculptures and geometric marble inlays within the 5-domed basilica of St. Mark.
  • Understand the political relevance of the Doge's Palace as you admire artworks like Federico Zuccari's Barbarossa kisses the Pope's foot in lavish rooms like the Great Council Chamber.
  • Enjoy dedicated attention in your preferred language – choose between an English, Italian, German, Spanish or French-speaking guide.
  • Your exploration doesn't just stop there! This ticket also gives you access to treasures of the Biblioteca Marciana and the Archaeological Museum.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace with skip-the-line entry
  • Expert English, Italian, German, Spanish, or French-speaking guide
  • Headsets for groups of 10+ people
  • Access to:

  • Access to the Pala d'Oro (if selected)

Exclusions

  • Access to the Old Prisons of Piombi and Pozzi
  • Both venues are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

St. Mark's Basilica

  • Tip: Try spotting designs of foxes, peacocks, doves, roosters and rhinoceros in the marble inlays while you’re walking around St. Mark's Basilica.
  • Strict dress code: All guests must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees to enter the basilica.
  • Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly not allowed at the venue.
  • A ramp is available at the Porta del Fiori (Door of Flowers) entrance on the left-hand side of the basilica.
  • The Museum on the upper floor of the basilica is served by both a lift and stair lifts.

Doge's Palace

  • Tip: Keep an eye out for the statues of Poseidon and Mars at the Staircase of the Giants in Doge's Palace.
  • Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and any type of commercial photography is a no-go inside the venue.
  • Please note that the Secret Itineraries, Prisons and Armory are not wheelchair accessible.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Cloister of Doge’s Palace, Venice
Doge palace, Venice
Stairs and sculpture at Doge’s Palace, Venice
The Great Council Hall, Venice - Great Council Chamber
Paiting in Doge's palace
Sculpture in the Doge's Palace
Gondola boat ride near Bridge of Sighs, Venice
Panoramic view of Doge’s Palace from the canal, Venice
Cloister of Doge’s Palace, Venice
Doge palace, Venice
Stairs and sculpture at Doge’s Palace, Venice
The Great Council Hall, Venice - Great Council Chamber
Paiting in Doge's palace
Sculpture in the Doge's Palace
Gondola boat ride near Bridge of Sighs, Venice
Panoramic view of Doge’s Palace from the canal, Venice
Cloister of Doge’s Palace, Venice
Doge palace, Venice
Stairs and sculpture at Doge’s Palace, Venice
The Great Council Hall, Venice - Great Council Chamber
Paiting in Doge's palace
Sculpture in the Doge's Palace
Gondola boat ride near Bridge of Sighs, Venice
Panoramic view of Doge’s Palace from the canal, Venice
Guided Tours
3.9(392)

Doge's Palace Guided Tour

from
€56
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
50 min. - 1 hr. 15 min.
  • An in-depth experience of the Doge's Palace awaits on this expertly crafted tour in the language of your choice.
  • Walk through opulent gold-ceiling rooms as you hear their unbelievable stories – like the Council of Ten Chamber that used to house Venice's secret police!
  • Look out for detailed sculptures that adorn the façade, like Noah's Drunkenness by Filippo Calendario, and Adam and Eve by Antonio Rizzo.
  • Short on time and have an itch for the unordinary? Select the mysteries and secrets tour to explore the Piombi and Pozzi prisons, and uncover dark conspiracies!
  • After your tour, explore the 3 museums in St. Mark's Square on your own: Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.
  • An in-depth experience of the Doge's Palace awaits on this expertly crafted tour in the language of your choice.
  • Walk through opulent gold-ceiling rooms as you hear their unbelievable stories – like the Council of Ten Chamber that used to house Venice's secret police!
  • Look out for detailed sculptures that adorn the façade, like Noah's Drunkenness by Filippo Calendario, and Adam and Eve by Antonio Rizzo.
  • Short on time and have an itch for the unordinary? Select the mysteries and secrets tour to explore the Piombi and Pozzi prisons, and uncover dark conspiracies!
  • After your tour, explore the 3 museums in St. Mark's Square on your own: Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of Doge's Palace with skip-the-line entry
  • English, German, French, Spanish or Italian-speaking guide
  • Headsets
  • Access to:

  • Express 'mysteries and secrets' guided tour of Doge's Palace (if selected)
  • Access to the Old Prisons of Piombi and Pozzi (if selected)
  • Tip: Capture stunning views of the Grand Canal from the palace's balconies, offering a unique perspective of Venice's iconic waterways.
  • Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and any type of commercial photography is a no-go inside the venue.
  • Please note that the Secret Itineraries, Prisons and Armoury are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/stroller.
  • Ramps and elevators are available at the venue for easy access.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Basilica di San Marco and Piazza San Marco, Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
Guide and tour group outside the Doge's Palace on a Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
View of Doge's Palace in Venice
Narrow canal with gondola and bridge in Venice
Canals in Murano Island, Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
Tour guide leading a group through St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, showcasing the intricate mosaic and marble inlays, as part of the Venice Full-Day Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry to St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace
Church of Gold - St. Mark's Basilica
Inside view of Doge Palace
Inside Doge Palace Chambers in Venice
Tourists enjoying a Gondola ride on a Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
Basilica di San Marco and Piazza San Marco, Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
Guide and tour group outside the Doge's Palace on a Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
View of Doge's Palace in Venice
Narrow canal with gondola and bridge in Venice
Canals in Murano Island, Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
Tour guide leading a group through St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, showcasing the intricate mosaic and marble inlays, as part of the Venice Full-Day Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry to St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace
Church of Gold - St. Mark's Basilica
Inside view of Doge Palace
Inside Doge Palace Chambers in Venice
Tourists enjoying a Gondola ride on a Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
Basilica di San Marco and Piazza San Marco, Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
Guide and tour group outside the Doge's Palace on a Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
View of Doge's Palace in Venice
Narrow canal with gondola and bridge in Venice
Canals in Murano Island, Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
Tour guide leading a group through St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, showcasing the intricate mosaic and marble inlays, as part of the Venice Full-Day Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry to St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace
Church of Gold - St. Mark's Basilica
Inside view of Doge Palace
Inside Doge Palace Chambers in Venice
Tourists enjoying a Gondola ride on a Venice Full-Day Guided Tour
Guided Tours
4.0(50)

Venice in a Day: St. Mark’s, Doge’s Palace, Murano & Burano with Gondola Ride

from
€140.95
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
6 hr. - 9 hr.
Transfers included

Explore the best of Venice on this guided day tour as you skip the lines to St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.

  • Glide through historic canals on a 30-minute gondola ride, led by an expert gondolier who shares captivating stories.
  • Learn all about the history of St. Mark's and the political significance of the Doge's Palace from an expert English-speaking guide.
  • Pick what suits your plan; a half or full-day trip. Extend your journey into the colorful towns of Murano and Burano Islands.
  • With an optional visit to the islands, be ready to immerse in the artisanal magic of glass-blowing and lace-making workshops.

Explore the best of Venice on this guided day tour as you skip the lines to St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.

  • Glide through historic canals on a 30-minute gondola ride, led by an expert gondolier who shares captivating stories.
  • Learn all about the history of St. Mark's and the political significance of the Doge's Palace from an expert English-speaking guide.
  • Pick what suits your plan; a half or full-day trip. Extend your journey into the colorful towns of Murano and Burano Islands.
  • With an optional visit to the islands, be ready to immerse in the artisanal magic of glass-blowing and lace-making workshops.

Inclusions

  • Full/half-day tour of Venice (as per option selected)
  • Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line entry
  • Guided tour of Doge's Palace with skip-the-line entry
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • 30-minute shared gondola ride
  • Round-trip transfers to/from Murano & Burano Islands (optional)
  • Glass-blowing demonstration (optional)
  • Lace-making demonstration (optional)

Half-day tour

  • St Marks Basilica
  • Doge's Palace
  • 30-minute gondola ride

Full-day tour

  • St Marks Basilica
  • Doge's Palace
  • 30-minute gondola ride
  • Glass-blowing demonstration at Murano Island
  • Lace-making demonstration at Burano Island
  • Tip: Take advantage of the local expert knowledge! Request your gondolier to point out the lesser-known sights along the canals.

St. Mark's Basilica

  • Strict dress code: All guests must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees to enter the basilica.
  • Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly not allowed at the venue.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • A ramp is available at the Porta del Fiori (Door of Flowers) entrance on the left-hand side of the basilica.
  • The Museum on the upper floor of the basilica is served by both a lift and stair lifts.

Doge's Palace

  • Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and any type of commercial photography is a no-go inside the venue.
  • Please note that the Secret Itineraries, Prisons and Armory are not wheelchair accessible.

Venice Gondola Ride

  • Seating arrangements within a gondola may vary for balance and safety reasons, it may not be possible to sit next to your partner.
  • The gondola ride is not accessible for wheelchair users.
  • Please note that the tour may not operate under exceptional high tide conditions or during religious functions at the basilica. In the event of cancellation, your tour will either be rescheduled or refunded for your convenience.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Doge's Palace Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs: Myth & mystery of the Venetian justice system

Tucked away within the Doge's Palace complex in Venice, Italy, lies the Bridge of Sighs, a hauntingly beautiful enclosed bridge crafted from white limestone. Spanning the Rio di Palazzo, the bridge connects the palace to the New Prison. According to legend, prisoners would sigh as they caught their last glimpse of Venice through its stone-barred windows before facing judgment and imprisonment. Renowned for its stunning Baroque design, featuring intricate carvings and elegant arches, the bridge stands as one of Venice's most celebrated and romantic landmarks.
Today, visitors can walk through the bridge, retracing the footsteps of those who once crossed it, and gaze out at the same view that evoked countless sighs.

How to access the Bridge of Sighs?

The Bridge of Sighs is located within the Doge's Palace complex in Venice, Italy. This iconic bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) across the Rio di Palazzo. Access to the Bridge of Sighs is included in all Doge's Palace tickets. You can book your tickets here.

Bridge of Sighs in a nutshell

Bridge of Sighs in a nutshell
  • Year of construction: 1600 - 1603
  • Architect: Antonio Contino (believed to be)
  • Material: White limestone
  • Must-see highlights: Intricate Baroque architecture, enclosed walkway with small, barred windows. Famously associated with the last sights of prisoners.
  • Function: Connected the Doge's Palace interrogation rooms to the New Prison
  • Unique facts: Built in the 17th century, the bridge is named for the sighs of condemned prisoners catching their last view of Venice. It was designed by Antonio Contino, the nephew of the architect of the Rialto Bridge.

Your Bridge of Sighs access explained

Standard entry

Guided tours

Secret itineraries tour

Is Bridge access included?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Why go for it?

This is a budget-friendly option to cross the historic bridge and see the New prisons —one of the stellar highlights of Doge's Palace—at your own pace.

Elevate your visit with a guided tour. You local guide will share fascinating stories about the bridge's origins, its role in Venetian justice, and the legends surrounding it.

If you wish to explore in-depth, this exclusive tour is specially curated to delve deeper into the lesser-known stories and intriguing secrets of the bridge, haunting prisons, secret passages, offices, and the notorious interrogation rooms.

Starting price

€30

€56

Recommended tickets

Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets

Doge's Palace Guided Tour

Architectural features | Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs, despite its relatively small size, boasts a captivating design that blends functionality with Baroque flair. Here's a closer look at its key architectural features:

Material used

Material used

Constructed from white Istrian limestone, from Istria, modern day Croatia. It was a popular choice for building materials in Venice during that era due to its durability and elegant appearance.

Enclosed passageway

Enclosed passageway

Unlike most bridges, the Bridge of Sighs is fully enclosed, creating a sense of isolation. This design likely aimed to maintain prisoner privacy and security during their transfer.    

Barred windows

Barred windows

The bridge has two small, arched windows on each side, fitted with intricately designed stone bars. These windows offer limited views of the San Giorgio and the Lagoon, allowing light to filter through the stone lattice.

Single arch design

Single arch design

The 11 m long bridge features a single, lightly curved arch that spans the Rio di Palazzo canal. This design element not only provided structural support but also contributed to the bridge's overall aesthetic appeal.                                         

macaron faces

Macaron faces

The bridge features macaron faces on the bottom arch, which are a characteristic of the Italian Baroque style, intended to ward off evil spirits. These faces depict a range of emotions, with 10 showing fear and sadness, while only one is smiling.

Integration with surrounding architecture

Integration with surrounding architecture

The design of the bridge complements the architectural styles of the Doge's Palace and the New Prison, seamlessly integrating with their Gothic and Renaissance elements.

Historical insights of Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs was constructed between 1600 and 1603 by architect Antonio Contin, nephew of Antonio da Ponte, who designed the famous Rialto Bridge. This Baroque-style bridge, made from white limestone, spans the Rio di Palazzo canal, connecting the Doge’s Palace with the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove). It allowed for secure prisoner transfers directly from the courtroom to their cells. The Doge’s Palace, the residence of the Doge of Venice, also housed various government offices, courts, and prisons.

The New Prison was built to address the overcrowded and insecure prison facilities within the palace, representing an advanced approach to detention for its time. The enclosed bridge, with its small, stone-barred windows, provided a secure and private passageway for prisoners. The name "Bridge of Sighs" originates from the melancholic sighs of prisoners who, legend says, caught their last glimpse of Venice through the windows before imprisonment.

Legends and myths of Bridge of Sighs

Origin of the name

Origin of the name

The evocative name, credited to Lord Byron, the famous Romantic poet, comes from the legend that prisoners, crossing from the Doge's Palace interrogation rooms to the New Prison, would sigh deeply as they took one final look at Venice through the bridge's small windows, filled with sorrow and longing before their imprisonment or execution.

The romantic legend

The romantic legend

According to a romantic myth, lovers who kiss under the Bridge of Sighs at sunset, as the bells of St. Mark's Campanile ring, will be granted eternal love and happiness. This belief has made the bridge a popular spot for couples seeking to seal their love.

Casanova's connection

Casanova's connection

The legendary Giacomo Casanova, famed for his romantic exploits, briefly added to the Bridge of Sighs' mystique. Though he wasn't imprisoned via the bridge, his daring escape from the Doge's Palace in 1755 fueled the romantic image of the bridge, further cemented by his own accounts.

Cultural significance of the Bridge

Though a small structure, the Bridge of Sighs speaks volumes about Venetian history, justice, and the power of storytelling.

  • Symbol of justice: Primarily, the bridge represents the justice system of Venice, a reminder of the finality faced by those condemned within the Doge's Palace.
  • Artistic inspiration:  The bridge's evocative nature has captured the imagination of artists for centuries. Paintings by Canaletto and M.J. Turner depicts its architectural details, while Lord Byron's poem "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage" immortalized the bridge's name and its association with sorrow.
  • A bridge in film:  The bridge's visual appeal and dramatic history have made it a fixture in films.  From the classic "Casanova" (1927) to the thriller "The Italian Job" (1969), the Bridge of Sighs continues to add a touch of Venetian mystique to the silver screen.

Visitor tips for experiencing Bridge of Sighs

  • Experience: Walk through the same passage used by prisoners centuries ago, offering a unique perspective on the bridge's interior and the small, barred windows.
  • See it from the outside: If you didn't get a Doge's Palace ticket, you can still admire the Bridge of Sighs from outside. Popular viewing points include:
    Ponte della Paglia: This bridge offers a classic view of the Bridge of Sighs with a gondola gliding underneath for a quintessential Venetian image.
    Ponte della Canonica: This bridge provides a side view of the bridge, showcasing its architectural details.
  • Capturing the moment: Since the bridge is enclosed, photography can be tricky inside. Opt for a flash to brighten the interior, and focus on the architectural details like the archway and windows. From the outside, its an easy, and actually more recognisable, frame to capture. 
  • Avoiding the crowds: To get the best shots (and avoid crowds), consider a tour during the off-season or shoulder seasons. Early mornings or evenings might offer better lighting conditions as well.

Frequently asked questions about the Bridge of Sighs

What is the significance of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice's history?

Since the Bridge of Sighs was built to connect the Doge's Palace to the New Prisons, serving as a passageway for prisoners it played a crucial role in the functioning of the Venetian justice system and is now a symbol of the city's rich history and architecture.

Are there any guided tours that include a visit to the Bridge of Sighs?

Indeed! There are exclusive guided tours like the "Secret Itinerary" tour, which lets visitors explore areas of the palace and prison not typically accessible to the public, including the Bridge of Sighs. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides insights into the history, architecture, and legends surrounding the bridge, offering a unique and immersive experience for visitors.

Is the Bridge of Sighs illuminated at night?

The Bridge of Sighs itself isn't directly illuminated at night. However, the surrounding area of the Doge's Palace is often lit up, casting an enchanting glow on the bridge. You might be able to capture a picturesque image with the bridge bathed in the soft light of nearby buildings.

What is the best way to reach the Bridge of Sighs from other parts of Venice?

While you can't enter the bridge itself without a special tour, getting to the Doge's Palace complex, where the bridge is located, is easy. Most visitors rely on vaporetto (water buses). Depending on your starting point, lines 1, 2, 5.1, or 4.1 will get you close to the San Zaccaria stop, a short walk from the palace.

How has the bridge's perception changed over time?

Initially, the bridge served a practical function within the Venetian justice system. Over time, the "Bridge of Sighs" name emerged, likely linked to a romantic legend about prisoners sighing. Today, the bridge is a popular tourist attraction, symbolizing both Venetian history and a touch of melancholy.

What was the daily life of prisoners like after crossing the bridge?

Conditions in the prison (Prigioni Nuove) varied depending on the severity of the crime. Some prisoners faced harsh conditions, while others might have had more privileges. However, crossing the Bridge of Sighs undoubtedly marked a turning point, signifying the start of their confinement.

Who were some of the most popular prisoners in Doge's Palace prisons?

The Doge's Palace housed a fascinating mix of prisoners. Casanova, the infamous escapee, rubbed shoulders with Marco Polo (possibly) and political prisoners like Pellico. Even a Doge, Marino Faliero, met his demise there. Garibaldi, a future Italian unifier, also spent a brief stint within its walls.