Rialto Bridge, from Rivo Alto, high river bank. Rialto used to be the name of the city, now it is the area around this bridge. Built 1588-1592 by Antonio da Ponte after many wooden bridges on this place had collapsed. The 7.5 metre high and 48 metre wide water gate was designed to allow an armed galley to pass under it. Until the Accademia bridge was opened in 1854 this was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot.
