Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal, and undoubtedly the most famous in the city. It was originally a pontoon bridge, built in the 12th Century, when it was called the Ponte della Moneta, because of the mint standing near its eastern entrance. Then it was replaced by a wooden bridge, around which was the city’s main trading centre, including a market called Rialto. The present stone bridge, designed by Antonio da Ponte, was finally completed in 1591. The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious that architect Vincenzo Scamozzi predicted future ruin. Fortunately, the bridge defied its critics to become one of Venice’s architectural icons. St. Mark's Square
Piazza San Marco is the principal square of Venice. Said to be "the drawing room of Europe", it’s the only great urban space in Europe where human voices prevail over the sounds of motorized traffic, which is confined to Venice's waterways. It’s the only piazza in Venice; the others squares are called campi. Originating in the 9th Century as a small area in front of the original St. Mark's Basilica, it was enlarged to its present size and shape in the 12th Century, especially for the meeting between Pope Alexander III and Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. The Piazza has always been the centre of Venice, as a seat for all important offices of the Venetian state. It was also the focus for Venice's famous festivals. The Piazza contains the most important sights in Venice, such as the Basilica, Doge's Palace and the Basilica's campanile. Between the Doge's Palace and the Biblioteca Marciana is situated the beautiful Piazzetta dei Leoncini. Opening into the lagoon at the mouth of the Grand Canal, it’s famous for the columns of Venice's two patrons, Marco and Todaro, standing by the water's edge, which constituted the official gateway to Venice. It was also the site for executions in the city. Piazza San Marco is known not only for its splendid basilica, but also for the extremely fat pigeons, which are well-fed by tourists. Doge's Palace
The Gothic-style Doge's Palace was the residence of a Venice duke called Doge and contained the offices of political institutions arranged around a central courtyard. The third floor boasts the Sala del Collegio, where foreign ambassadors were received. Inside, there are paintings of several Doges, and Paolo Veronese's Lepanto. The most spectacular room is the Grand Council Chamber, or Sala del Maggior Consiglio, which was the meeting place for the legislature. Inside, you can admire the world's largest painting on canvas, Paradise by Tintoretto. Behind the palace is the Bridge of Sighs, which is connected to the prison. Bridge of Sighs
At the rear of the palace is the famous Bridge of Sighs. It passes over Rio di Palazzo and connects the old prisons with the rooms in the Doge's Palace. The view from the bridge was the last thing that convicts saw before their imprisonment. The bridge’s name was given by Lord Byron. It was believed that prisoners would sigh at their final look at their beautiful city before being taken down to their cells. A local legend says that lovers will always stay together if they kiss on a gondola at sunset under the bridge. That's why Ponte dei Sospiri is a favourite place for romantic walks.