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Rialto Bridge
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The Rialto Bridge (Italian: Ponte di Rialto) is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. It is the oldest bridge across the canal, and the most famous in the city.
In the 12th century there was only a pontoon bridge, that, in 1255, was replaced by a wooden bridge.
During the first half of the 15th century two rows of shops were built along the sides of the bridge. It collapsed tewo times and then, in 1503, the idea of rebuilding the bridge in stone was first proposed.
The present stone bridge was finally completed in 1591. It is remarkably similar to the wooden bridge it succeeded. Two inclined ramps lead up to a central portico. On either side of the portico the covered ramps carry rows of shops. The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious some architects predicted future ruin. The bridge has defied its critics to become one of the architectural icons of Venice.
Today, shop stalls line both sides of the bridge and it has become one of the major tourist sights in Venice.
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