For a long time this was the only way
to cross the Canal Grande. There was a
bridge here at the end of the 12th
century, but the current one, designed
by Antonio da Ponte, was built
1554-1591. There are now lots of shops
on the bridge selling all kinds of
souvenirs and curiosities and fresh
fruit, vegetable and fish markets line
the streets in the bustling neighborhood.
While a second bridge was built in 1854,
this bridge is still an important
historical landmark and always a bright
spot for tourists