Until the 19th century this was the only
bridge between the two sides of the Grand Canal. The bridge as
we see it today was built in the 16th century when a competition
took place to chose the design of the new bridge to replace an
older structure. Michelangelo was among the contenders but the
competition was won by Antonio da Ponte. This is one of the
centers of activity in Venice and everywhere on the islands
there are signs indicating the direction for the Rialto bridge.
The bridge is a good place to watch the activity on the Grand
Canal at any hour of the day.
