Rialto Tours
Discover the Heart of Venice
The Heart of Venetian Commerce
Did you know the Rialto area was the financial hub of Venice for centuries? As early as the 11th century, it hosted banks, tax offices, and the bustling market—making it the Wall Street of its time. Even Shakespeare referenced it in The Merchant of Venice: “What news on the Rialto?”
A Bridge Built to LastThe iconic
Rialto Bridge, completed in 1591, was designed by Antonio da Ponte. Many thought it would collapse under its own weight—especially since it replaced several previous wooden bridges. But over 400 years later, it still proudly spans the Grand Canal, defying its skeptics!
Hidden in the Stones
Look closely at the Rialto Bridge and you’ll spot a curious stone relief: a figure holding a sundial. This mysterious sculpture faces east and was likely placed to track time before mechanical clocks were common—an ancient Venetian blend of art, science, and superstition!
