Today’s Friday fact is brought to you by the hero of my new work in progress as he’s a Venetian water taxi driver.
The Bridge of Sighs is in Venice Italy and it spans the Rio di Palazzo (river of the palace). It connects the Doge’s Palace interrogation room to the prison cells. It was built in the 1600s.
Lord Byron named it the Bridge of Sighs when he was in Venice because he said the prisoners of the inquisition who were headed to their execution would be able to look out at the city of Venice one more time and sigh at its beauty. He was such a romantic. By the time the bridge was constructed, the inqusition and the summary exections were over, but it is a lovely name for an amazingly beautiful bridge.
Sadly, I didn’t get to see it in all its glory as it was under repair while I was there. The Italian authorities were kind enough to leave one side exposed, though for us tourists to enjoy.
Jillian Chantal 
It is definitely sigh worthy. Throw in the gondola and with the Italian man driving it and there would be much sighing.
By: Darlene on September 7, 2012
at 12:30 pm
Indeed. Sighs all around.
By: Jillian Chantal on September 7, 2012
at 12:45 pm
Some of that old architecture is so beautiful. You’re lucky to have seen it.
By: shaylacy on September 7, 2012
at 7:38 pm
Gorgeous for sure. I loved it.
By: Jillian Chantal on September 7, 2012
at 8:01 pm
While I’m glad I’m on the outside instead of the inside of this bridge, I love the name of it. It’s beautiful and I’m glad to hear they are restoring it.
By: Laurie Ryan on September 9, 2012
at 10:26 am
Yeah. Inside is okay but not as a prisoner. Lol.
By: Jillian Chantal on September 9, 2012
at 11:11 am
This is a place I’d love to visit.
By: Lavada Dee on September 9, 2012
at 2:12 pm
You must. It’s beautiful.
By: Jillian Chantal on September 9, 2012
at 2:15 pm