Accademia Bridge

One of only four bridges crossing the Grand Canal, the Accademia Bridge links Dorsoduro to San Marco. Officially known as Ponte dell'Accademia, this lovely wooden bridge is relatively recent, engineered by Miozzin in 1932. It was intended as a temporary structure until a more permanent bridge could be designed, but it is now a permanent fixture, affording stunning views of the Grand Canal. The Accademia Galleries are located on the square at the foot of the bridge.

While it would be difficult to take a bad picture in Venice, the views from the Accademia Bridge, like the Rialto, are stunning. It is a bit difficult to photograph however, as it is on an east-west axis. Consequently, it is flooded with light in the early morning and late afternoon, and flooded with tourists the remainder of the time. Here are a couple of early morning shots from the bridge. The photo to the left is shot from the San Marco side of the bridge, and shows a large house (a palazzo?) with the sun reflecting off the golden murals painted on its front. The picture to the right shows a view of the Santa Maria della Statue from the bridge's mid-point. This 17th century creation by Longhena is a masterpiece of sculpted whorls beneath a towering dome. It sits at the mouth of the Grand Canal, and commemorates the end of a devastating plague that hit the city. Over the years, the Santa Maria della Statue has become one of Venice's most recognizable landmarks.