Bridge of Sighs in Venice

Our tour of the Doge’s Palace led us to the dungeon where the prison cells were. It also led to having us walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs—one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, and every bit as eerie as its history suggests.

Built in 1602, this enclosed limestone bridge connected the interrogation rooms of the Doge’s Palace to the prison cells across the Rio di Palazzo. It’s named the Bridge of Sighs from the sound the prisoners would make while crossing the bridge from their prison cells to their trials. For many prisoners, this walk marked the end of their freedom. As they crossed the bridge, they caught one last glimpse of the Venetian lagoon and sky through the small barred stone windows before spending years—sometimes the rest of their lives—in the prison below in the dungeon.

Standing there, it’s hard not to imagine the emotions those prisoners must have felt. I even tried to capture the same view through one of the tiny openings where they would have looked out for the very last time. It’s a haunting reminder behind Venice’s incredible beauty lies a fascinating and often sobering history that many of the ancient civilizations in history also have.

Steve seemed to enjoy this part of the tour! I don’t know if it was hanging out in the dungeons or if it was the idea that it was a prison?? After loving to hear about the history of the gladiators and visiting the Colosseum in Rome, and now the dungeons in the Doge Palace, I am starting to think he lived back during that time!

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