About Bridge of Sighs

The well-known 36-foot white limestone bridge with windows spanning the Rio di Palazzo was built in 1602 by Antoni Contino and joins Venice's New Prison with the Doge's Palace interrogation rooms. The name of the bridge known in Italian as Ponte dei Sospiri is said to be referencing how prisoners being led to their cells or to the executioner would let out a sigh as they saw Venice one last time before their confinement. The 1979 movie "A Little Romance" starring Laurence Olivier and Diane Lane was based on the Venice lore that couples would have eternal love and happiness if they kissed while their boat passed under the Bridge of Sighs at sunset while the bells of St. Mark's Campanile ring.