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Bridge of Sighs

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Bridge of Sighs

What it is

The Bridge of Sighs is an enclosed limestone bridge arching over the Rio di Palazzo, linking the interrogation rooms of the Doge's Palace to the New Prison on the other side of the canal. Convicted prisoners were walked across it on their way to their cells, and the bridge's name refers to the sighs they were said to let out at this last glimpse of Venice through its small windows. Most visitors see it from outside, either from the canal-side bridges nearby or by boat; you can also cross it on the inside as part of a Doge's Palace visit, which is the only way to see its interior.

Getting there

It sits right beside St Mark's Square, a short walk from the main vaporetto stops (San Zaccaria or San Marco) and about 15-20 minutes on foot from the Rialto Bridge. There's no need for public transport within this part of the city centre; walking is simplest.

How long to allow

Viewing it from outside takes only a few minutes. If you're also visiting the Doge's Palace and crossing the bridge from inside, allow at least an hour or two for the palace itself, since the bridge is just one small part of that route.

When to go

The two small canal-side bridges that overlook it (Ponte della Paglia and Ponte dei Sospiri viewing spot) get crowded through the day, especially with tour groups and cruise-ship visitors mid-morning to early afternoon. Early morning or after sunset tends to be quieter for photos, and the bridge is lit at night.

Combine it with

  • Doge's Palace (0.1km) - directly connected to the bridge; visit it to see the bridge from the inside.
  • St Mark's Basilica (0.1km) and St Mark's Campanile (0.1km) - both on St Mark's Square, an easy combined stop.
  • St Mark's Clocktower (0.2km) - also on the square, worth pairing with the above.

Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Bridge of Sighs

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Venice 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Venice grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

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Venice 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Venice grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Doge's Palace

Museums & galleries

Doge's Palace

The Doge's Palace served as the residence of the Doge, the seat of government, and a prison during the Republic of Venice. Built in Venetian Gothic style, it was first constructed in 810 and rebuilt in 1340, with further additions and renovations over the following centuries. It has operated as a museum since 1923 and is one of eleven museums managed by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.

0.1 km away
St Mark's Basilica

Temples & religious sites

St Mark's Basilica

St Mark's Basilica is the patriarchal cathedral of Venice, said to hold the relics of the Evangelist Mark. It became the cathedral in 1807, succeeding San Pietro di Castello, and is known for its Byzantine interior and façade covered in gold mosaics — a highlight for anyone interested in church architecture and religious art.

0.1 km away
St Mark's Campanile

Views & landmarks

St Mark's Campanile

St Mark's Campanile rises at the center of St Mark's Square and, at 98.6 meters, is the tallest structure in Venice. It was rebuilt in 1912 as an exact replica of the original tower, which had collapsed in 1902, and remains a landmark visible from almost anywhere in the city.

0.1 km away
St Mark's Clocktower

Museums & galleries

St Mark's Clocktower

This early Renaissance building stands at the entrance to the Mercerie, north of St. Mark's Square. A central tower houses an intricate astronomical clock, flanked by lower wings, and it was built in the late 15th century adjoining the Procuratie Vecchie arcade of St. Mark's Basilica. The clock was originally positioned to be visible from ships crossing the lagoon, announcing Venice's wealth and power.

0.2 km away
San Zaccaria

Temples & religious sites

San Zaccaria

San Zaccaria is a 15th-century church in the heart of Venice, originally part of a convent and dedicated to Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Built during the era of the Venetian Republic, it stands on Campo San Zaccaria, just southeast of St. Mark's Square and Basilica.

0.2 km away
Piazza San Marco

Parks & gardens

Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco is Venice's central square, surrounded by the city's major landmarks, including St. Mark's Basilica, its bell tower, and the Doge's Palace. The square itself is less a destination than a starting point where Venice's most iconic buildings converge, and the arcades lining it are filled with cafés and shops.

0.2 km away