Ponte dei Sospiri Bridge Over Grand Canal Venice

Spanning the tranquil waters of Venice's iconic Grand Canal is the Ponte dei Sospiri (The Bridge of Sighs). This stone bridge connects Doge's Palace to the new prison across the canal. Its name comes from an old belief that condemned prisoners would sigh at their final view of Venice before being led away. Architecturally, it features classical Venetian Gothic elements such as pointed arches and statues. Tourists stroll along its length taking photos under the gentle illumination of nearby street lamps while gondolas rest idly by the water's edge.