Visit Ponte dell'Accademia is one of the crossing points between the two banks of the Grand Canal.
During your visit to Venice, you're likely to pass over this bridge.
Today, I'm going to tell you all about it.
Ponte dell'Accademia: article summary
Ponte dell'Accademia in brief
This bridge is a little special in that it has 50 steps to climb and 50 steps to descend. The Accademia bridge is the last of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal to the place Saint-Marc.
It's not the most famous bridge in Venice, but the Ponte dell'Accademia has beautiful architecture and I think it's a great place to take photos. Here, you can enjoy the view of the Grand Canal and the quays with their magnificent palaces.
And the bridge is popular for its padlocks. However, the the practice is illegal. If you are tempted to do so, I advise you to avoid it. If an officer happens to pass by the bridge at that time, you could be fined.
On site, you'll also find illegal street vendors with fake handbags, padlocks and other counterfeit goods. I also advises against buying anything from them.
An exceptional view
However, not everything about the Ponte dell'Accademia is negative. In fact, I think it has one of the best views of the Grand Canal. Here, you can take your time and admire the view.
You can also enjoy the dance of the gondolas and vaporetto as they pass by. In the evening, the place is very quiet and peaceful.
Where to find the Accademia Bridge
The Ponte dell'Accademia is the best place to cross between the San Marco and Dorsoduro districts. The bridge lies between Campo San Vidal and Campo della Carita. It also has its own "Accademia" vaporetto stop, so it's easy to get to.
From Piazza San MarcoFollow the yellow "Accademia" arrows. From the Dorsoduro district, you can also follow the yellow markers. Follow these arrows, you'll automatically see the Accademia Bridge.
Don't forget to visit the Gallerie dell'Accademia
If you're in the area, you can also visit the gallery. You can book a low-cost audio tour or guide to take you through the museum. It's well worth it, because there are some beautiful paintings.
More about Ponte dell'Accademia
The bridge is made of wood and is about 4.20 metres high. So it's a pretty steep bridge, and not very practical for your luggage.
On the Dorsoduro side of the bridge, there are toilets on the quay. You'll need money to pay. But there are plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby where you can use the toilets. Under the bridge, you'll find a small terrace. It's a small restaurant which I recommend you try!
It's also the main bridge for walking to the Gallerie dell'Accademia, the beautiful museum with a wealth of famous paintings. What's more, if you keep walking, you'll automatically come to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and Santa Maria della Salute church.
The history of this bridge
The Ponte dell'Accademia was built in 1933. It was only a temporary wooden bridge, replacing a cast-iron one. But the span and the large arch were much appreciated by Venetians and the wooden bridge still stands.
The bridge was designed by Eugenio Miozzi, who also designed the Lido Casino. By 1984, the wood was rotten and it was unsafe to use the bridge. Once again, the Venetians chose a wooden bridge that was to be an exact replica of the old version. From time to time, the Ponte dell'Accademia needs maintenance. The elegant bridge is certainly one of my favorite sights in Venice.
Now you know a lot more about the Ponte dell'Accademia. During your trip to Venice, I recommend a visit to this unique site. You'll be able to discover the beauty of this bridge and enjoy a pleasant crossing between the two banks.
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