Венеција, Италија
Rialto is the oldest of the three bridges built over the Grand Canal (the other two are Accademia and Scalzi). Originally it was wooden, and after its collapse in 1444, it was rebuilt, but with a movable mechanism that allowed the central part to move and, in this way, larger ships could pass under it.
It was not stable enough though, and in the 16th century Antonio da Ponte strengthened it and finally completed it. The bridge was built in only 3 years - between 1588 and 1591 and remained the only way to cross the canal on foot until 1854, when the Ponte del Accademia was built.
Along the wide central passage are many shops offering souvenirs, jewelry and Venetian glass.
