Bridge of Sighs, Venice
Sounds romantic, doesn't it? Venice..."Bridge of Sighs..." Must be for lovers, right?
Not quite. Actually in the 1600s if you were crossing the Ponte dei Sospiri you were likely going to prison and were having your last look at Venice, at least for a while....
On the left is the Doge's Palace, where judgements were determined, including during the horrific Inquisition period of history. On the right is the New Prison, with the Bridge of Sighs crossing the Rio di Palazzo before it empties into the Venetian Lagoon.
But much of what is said about the Bridge of Sighs is myth, and you can blame Lord Byron for it. The famous British poet popularized the idea that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through a window before being taken to their doom. Actually the time of inquisitions and summary executions were over by the time the bridge was built in 1600 and the prison was mostly for common criminals.
Having taken the tour of the Doge's Palace (well worth the time and cost of admission), you cannot see much other than the Rio di Palazzo and a portion of the lagoon from the bridge anyway, but hey it is a good story...
*Press L for best viewing.
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This photo:
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Bridge of Sighs, Venice
Sounds romantic, doesn't it? Venice..."Bridge of Sighs..." Must be for lovers, right?
Not quite. Actually in the 1600s if you were crossing the Ponte dei Sospiri you were likely going to prison and were having your last look at Venice, at least for a while....
On the left is the Doge's Palace, where judgements were determined, including during the horrific Inquisition period of history. On the right is the New Prison, with the Bridge of Sighs crossing the Rio di Palazzo before it empties into the Venetian Lagoon.
But much of what is said about the Bridge of Sighs is myth, and you can blame Lord Byron for it. The famous British poet popularized the idea that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through a window before being taken to their doom. Actually the time of inquisitions and summary executions were over by the time the bridge was built in 1600 and the prison was mostly for common criminals.
Having taken the tour of the Doge's Palace (well worth the time and cost of admission), you cannot see much other than the Rio di Palazzo and a portion of the lagoon from the bridge anyway, but hey it is a good story...
*Press L for best viewing.
Link to ~My best photos~
*** All my photos are © All Rights Reserved. ***
This photo:
- DSLR Autofocus Hall of Fame and Ultimate Award
- Super~Six Super Star Academy
- The Galaxy Top Awarders Hall of Fame
- The Best of Timeless Moments
- *WOW* Level 2 Hall of Fame and Top of the Tops Gallery
- DSLR Grandmaster of Photography
- The Galaxy Stars Hall of Fame and Admin Award
- Nice As It Gets End of Journey Showcase & Appreciation Seal
- Lasting Impression Prestige Club Gallery
- ~Witness The Emerging Spirit Admin Award & Journey's End: 75 Awards