What is the Venice Academy Bridge made of? Venice Temporary Bridge - Navody - LiveJournal
Venice is a unique and inimitable city. Of course, they are trying to imitate him, they want to be like this Italian masterpiece, or even build full-fledged replicas. Somewhat reminiscent of a fake Dolce & Gabana on every second Caucasian, a copy appears on the embankment in Baku, in a shopping center in the Emirates, in the casinos of Macau and Las Vegas, or in the deserts of China. Naturally, such pitiful fakes are extremely far from the unsurpassed original, about which we hear more and more often that it is dying. He dies like the “Godfather”, counting his last days and giving advice to the remaining younger generation, while leaving for another world slowly, hiding under the water millimeters by millimeter, and the inhabitants are already fleeing from the sinking ship called “Venice”, letting them take the captain’s helm some crooks.
They say that the golden years of this city are already behind us, but tourist flows continue to steadily increase the volume of arriving people, and Venice is still alive. Moreover, it will live as long as bridges, beautiful and legendary, rise above its waters. These are some of them that I want to talk to you about.
Bridge of Sighs
Despite its rather romantic name, this bridge has practically nothing to do with the general atmosphere of love in the water city and appears to be a rather creepy, if not sad, place. But despite the tragic facts known to the whole world, couples in love still hire a Venetian gondolier and, accompanied by a baritone singing boatman, sailing under this bridge in the rays of the fading sunset, they try to kiss, so to speak, as a sign of eternal love and in order to live in perfect harmony, well, says the legend.
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The real story is much sadder. The transport logistics of the city are difficult, and imagine how difficult it is to monitor the transport of a dangerous criminal. Here he sits so handsome in the boat, at any moment he can jump overboard and try to escape by rowing. And in order not to provoke the convicts to escape and not to force the guards to hit them on the top of the head with an oar, and then not to catch prematurely executed bodies from the waters of the great Grand Canal, the city leadership decided to build a quick and convenient transportation hub - a bridge from court to prison. In short, this is how he was born in the 17th century.
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photo from the site https://pastvu.com/
By the way, according to legend, it was Casanova who escaped from the guards who forced the Doges to take such drastic measures. The Bridge of Sighs received its romantic name almost immediately, but thanks to rather sad events. As you can see, due to very important circumstances, the bridge acquired a closed architectural form so that the convicts would not try to jump from it, and therefore the crossing has a completely closed appearance. Well, everyone doomed to many years in a Venetian dungeon walked to prison through this tunnel, walked up to the window and sighed goodbye. They say that people even began to call this bridge “Last Breaths”, because thanks to harsh laws, many went to execution along this road.
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photo from the site https://pastvu.com/
Well, I’ll add that the Venice prison is far from the most romantic place, despite the beautiful views from the cell of the tranquil waters of the Grand Canal, it was fraught with a lot of danger. The lower cells were quite flooded during the “high water”, and I don’t think that the prisoners at that moment were enjoying luxurious SPA treatments in the form of fish peeling, but rather rejoiced at the acquired tuberculosis and inflammation, and in the hot summer months, the inhabitants of the upper cells enjoyed the poisonous aromas emitted by the heated water. in the sun with a lead roof. These were the harsh conditions in the most romantic city in the world.
Rialto Bridge
It is not surprising that this bridge is a real calling card of Venice, and today it is difficult to imagine the city without the most popular crossing, which attracts the attention of all tourists. But until the 12th century, there was no talk of any bridge across the Grand Canal, because all that the residents could afford was to tie the boats into one pontoon crossing and, loaded with products from the market, jump like mountain saigas from one boat to another, somewhat reminiscent famous Italian plumber Mario.
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But due to constant fires and various tragedies, from which it was entirely possible to escape, residents began to persuade the government about the need to build a permanent crossing, because no one wanted to swim and dive into the water with all their property. The Doge followed the lead of the public, and a new, beautiful... ponto... di Moneta was born. Yes, yes, the first bridge got its name in honor of the nearby mint, and it was supposed to bring success and prosperity to the beloved city.
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photo from the site https://pastvu.com/
This is what happened, so after 50 years it was decided to expand it, since the narrow passage constrained the money bags walking along it and everyone was clinging to each other with pockets full of gold. The new bridge was even made as a drawbridge in order to allow large ships to pass through, and was named Rialto in honor of the nearby market; it was made of wood and therefore its very first version quickly burned down.
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Then they built a new one, even more beautiful, but also made of wood. This time the bridge lasted for almost a hundred years, until it collapsed under the weight of the crowd that had climbed onto it and decided to watch the festive boat parade. As a result, the impromptu boat carnival ended rather sadly, and the survivors and wet people began to demand a stone version.
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The Doges did not listen to them and again built a crossing from noble wood, and also placed shopkeepers on it, from whom they successfully collected coupons for the city treasury. Naturally, this bridge did not last long, then a council met, which caved in to the demands of the people, ordering a stone version, and Antonio de Ponte began to implement this whole thing, and as the Italians say, all because of cronyism and a famous surname.
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By the way, it was precisely this fact that infuriated the population, because some little-known old man won the city tender, in which eminent masters participated, among whom was Michelangelo himself, so this seventy-five-year-old architect, mockingly, proposed a design for a single-arch bridge. Everyone around spat and cursed, because multi-arches were in fashion, but in the end the rebuilt structure of the 16th century has survived almost in its original form to this day and today rightfully takes its well-deserved place among the architectural masterpieces of Venice.
Academy Bridge
For a long time, the Rialto described above remained the only permanent crossing over the Grand Canal, and only in 1854 a purely Venetian history, full of carelessness and stinginess, emerged, which allowed the current Academy Bridge to appear.
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photo from the site https://pastvu.com/
By the way, the first version of this crossing was called the Bridge of Mercy in honor of the nearby temple, but when the museum settled there, they decided to rename our hero, but let’s return to his story.
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photo from the site https://pastvu.com/
During Austrian rule, this part of the city urgently needed convenient transport routes, and in order not to interfere with shipping, they thought of digging a tunnel for their whims. True, the technologies turned out to be too underdeveloped, the idea was put aside as unconstructive and they were about to put together a bridge. But either this decision brought the residents to a boil, or they were simply tired of the Austrians, but a popular revolt began in the city, suppressing which the first bridge was finally born.
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photo from the site http://www.aboutvenice.ru/
But the Venetians did not like it at all; not only did it not fit into the romantic exterior, but its low height also interfered with navigation. There was a guerrilla war against it, they threw stones, loosened it and damaged it in every possible way, but at the same time they walked on it until it completely fell into disrepair. In its place in 1933, it was decided to build a handsome stone worthy of this great city, and for this they opened a special competition, and while it was going on, a small temporary wooden one was built in a measly thirty-seven days.
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The competition was held, the winner was chosen, but they were in no hurry to allocate money. Times were hard, war was brewing, and let them lie in the treasury, they would be safer. Moreover, the temporary residents liked it. Believe it or not, this temporary crossing, so beloved by residents, has been standing for almost a century; it was only updated in 1986, some elements were replaced with historical ones. Of course, since then the bridge has been pretty damaged, and it needs a new restoration, but the city government cannot find funds for this, so back in 2009 it organized a strange campaign to attract a sponsor who could fix the bridge.
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photo from the site https://pastvu.com/
Since then, the matter has not moved forward, and the bridge continues to collapse. So the authorities started talking about demolishing the landmark. It’s a strange thing, even I can find sponsors for my travels, but one of the main bridges in Venice still doesn’t have one. Well, which of my readers wants to pull the strap of saving a collapsing attraction? After all, the bridge is still breathing, although it is in a state of its last breath...
An older version of the Academy Bridge, built in 1854 by engineer Alfred Neville. Photo from the Internet
This is what the Accademia Bridge in Venice looked like until dictator Benito Mussolini ordered it to be dismantled. After this, a temporary wooden bridge was built, which still connects the Accademia Galleries with the San Marco area.
The history of the Academy Bridge began in the 15th century. The first project to build a bridge on this site appeared in 1488. But almost four centuries passed before the bridge depicted in the engraving was built. This happened during the period of Austrian rule - in 1852, the Austrian engineer Alfred Neville, who had already built 37 iron bridges in Europe, proposed a design for a steel bridge with one horizontal beam, which was implemented two years later.
However, the Venetians did not like the new bridge at all. The steel bridge did not fit into the traditional appearance of the city, and its low height interfered with shipping. However, the bridge was used until, by the thirties of the 20th century, its structures had aged and became unsafe.
Then a competition was announced for a new stone bridge, but before construction began, it was decided to build a temporary wooden crossing. Eugenio Miozzi (1889-1979) managed to build this high single-arch bridge in just 37 days, and the bridge was opened on February 15, 1933. The authorities were in no hurry to allocate money to begin construction of the stone bridge, but the Venetians liked the Miozzi Bridge. So the temporary bridge turned into a permanent one.
Its serious reconstruction was carried out only in 1986, when the crossing's surface was completely renewed and some of the elements were replaced with metal ones. But this did not affect the appearance of the bridge.
Meanwhile, the Venetian authorities are not abandoning plans to build a permanent stone bridge at this site.
The appearance and supporting structures of the bridge have become dilapidated, which is why its condition was declared emergency.
For Venice, located on numerous islands, bridges are as important as air. It is no coincidence that there are more than four hundred of them here, and each is unique in its own way. The most famous are those spanning the two main canals of the city - the Palace and Grand Canals.
Palace Canal
On the Rio di Palazio, as the name of the Palace Canal sounds in Italian, there are only two bridges. Despite its ceremonial name, the Palace Canal is a rather gloomy place, since it originally connected the Doge's Palace with the building of the New Prisons.
The un-Venetian gloomy and joyless panorama of the Palace Canal opens from the bridge called Solomenniy. And this is not at all accidental, because mainly prisoners were transported along this canal, and they had absolutely no need to admire the beauties of the city.
The bridge got its strange name for a white-stone structure thanks to the nearby pier, where ships bringing fresh straw for prisoners moored.
The bridge was erected in the middle of the 14th century and served regularly for almost 500 years. The building required restoration only in the 19th century, when it was not only repaired, but also slightly expanded.
The second crossing over the Palace Canal is a very popular among tourists, a small and very high arched bridge with the beautiful name Bridge of Sighs.
Legend has it that lovers who kiss here at sunset will remain faithful to each other forever.
However, the purpose of the bridge was not initially so romantic. For several centuries it connected the Palazzo Ducale, where court hearings usually took place, with the city prison located on the other side of the canal. And the sighs here came not from lovers, but from prisoners passing across the bridge. Many of them saw Venice from the Bridge of Sighs for the last time in their lives.
Grand Canal
A completely different impression is left by the wide Grand Canal, framed by magnificent palaces, which can be crossed on four bridges.
The Academy Bridge will be the first bridge you encounter on the way if you move along the Grand Canal from south to north. It is named after the nearby Galleria dell'Accademia and is intended to connect this art museum with St. Mark's Square.
Despite its proximity to the historical center of Venice, the bridge can be considered a new building. Conceived back in the 15th century, it was built only in the middle of the 19th century, and was originally an openwork steel structure, which, unfortunately, did not last long.
Already in the middle of the 20th century, the Academy Bridge had to be dismantled, and a temporary wooden crossing was erected in its place. But, as you know, there is nothing more eternal than temporary, and the townspeople loved the wooden bridge so much that it was decided to keep it in this form.
Unfortunately, wood is not as durable as steel, and in 1985 the badly dilapidated structure had to be rebuilt again. The modern Academy Bridge has remained wooden, and also completely replicates the appearance of its predecessor.
If you move further along the Grand Canal, you will see the most famous Venetian bridge, one of the generally recognized symbols of the city - the Rialto Bridge.
His story was not always happy and cloudless. The first bridge on this site was built in 1181 and was the only crossing over the Grand Canal. At first the bridge was wooden and in 1310, during the popular uprising of Tiepolo, it was burned. A century later, in 1444, the restored Rialto suddenly collapsed on its own, unable to withstand the weight of the crowd admiring the parade of ships. The bridge was restored again, and even modernized, equipped with an adjustable mechanism. But this new wooden structure turned out to be fragile and soon collapsed.
The Doge of Venice ordered not to restore the old bridge, but to build a new one, but from stone. In this regard, a competition was announced throughout Italy for the best project for the future structure. Among the applicants was Michelangelo himself, but the victory was awarded to a certain Antonio de Ponte. It must be said that the choice turned out to be successful, and the architect successfully coped with the task assigned to him.
The Rialto Stone Bridge at that time could be considered a marvel of engineering. Externally, it has the shape of a strongly curved arch, 7 meters high, and its base rests on several thousand piles firmly driven into the bottom of the canal. Right on the bridge, places were initially provided for traders, and now there are a dozen souvenir shops operating here, which never complain about the lack of customers.
The next bridge over the Grand Canal is the Scalzi Bridge, which is popularly called the “Barefoot Bridge”. Perhaps this is due to the many beggars who have long chosen this area, but a more plausible version connects this name with the nearby monastery of the Carmelites, who always preferred to walk barefoot.
The bridge was built in 1856 and has suffered many attacks from critics for its “too modern” appearance. A century later, the authorities finally listened to the murmurs of the townspeople and rebuilt the bridge in the traditional Venetian style, to match the surrounding landscape.
The last bridge along the Grand Canal was the modern Constitution Bridge, opened in our century, in 2008. It is located outside the historical part of the city and provides convenient access to the Santa Lucia train station, the main land gate of Venice.
The construction of the structure was entrusted to the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, famous for his. Like the neighboring Scalzi Bridge, the new bridge was heavily criticized while still under construction. Calatrava was criticized for his choice of location, the excessive “modernity” of the project, and even for the fact that the structure was absolutely not suitable for the movement of wheelchair users. The protests were so persistent that the Venetian authorities were forced to cancel the opening ceremony of the bridge and it passed almost unnoticed by the public.
Thus, the history of the main Venetian bridges is far from romantic. Prisoners were led along them, they were pursued by collapses, and later by popular riots, but all this, thank God, is a thing of the past. Now Venetian bridges are a favorite place for tourists. Guests of Venice never tire of admiring these narrow humpbacked bridges, which are invariably associated with something mysterious and festive, as is the whole city. And it is very good that these illusions are so firmly entrenched in our consciousness. A beautiful fairy tale is always more pleasant than everyday reality.
The Scalzi Bridge is one of four bridges that span the Grand Canal. Its appearance is associated with the construction of the Santa Lucia railway station in the area.
The bridge was built during the reign of the Habsburgs, so it is not surprising that the author of the project was an Austrian engineer. Like the Academy Bridge, it was built by Alfred Neuville. Both bridges were designed in an industrial style, without the slightest hint of matching the beautiful Venetian buildings. Apparently, Neville, a man with Austrian roots, was guided only by the principles of rationality during construction. It is not surprising that both the Academy Bridge and the Scalzi Bridge caused complete rejection among the townspeople.
In 1932, by decision of the Venetian authorities, the construction of a new bridge designed by the architect Eugenio Miozzi began. The iron structure was replaced by an elegant stone bridge with one span about 7 meters high. The peculiarity of the Scalzi Bridge is that its steps, wide at the base, gradually narrow, and in the upper part, in the very middle, the width of the platform is only 80 centimeters. And one more thing: this is the loudest bridge in Venice. Numerous passengers traveling from and to the station use the wheels of their suitcases to create a characteristic noise, clicking on the steps of the bridge.
Freedom Bridge
The Liberty Bridge, starting in 1933, connected Venice with the mainland by highway. Until this moment, the only way to get into the city was by railroad.
The first railway bridge to connect with the mainland was built back in 1846, when Venice was part of the Austrian Empire. The railway line laid along it ended at the Venetian Santa Lucia station.
The twentieth century brought unprecedented developments in road transport, and in 1931 the Italian engineer Eugenio Miozzo proposed to reconstruct and expand the railway bridge, making it suitable for the movement of cars. In 1933, during the reign of Benito Mussolini, the proposed project was implemented under the name Ponte Littorio. Thus, a completely new bridge arose, which, after the end of World War II, was quite naturally renamed the Freedom Bridge.
The total length of the bridge is almost 4 kilometers. Traffic along it is carried out in two lanes in each direction. In addition, there are bicycle and walking paths. The bridge leads to Piazza Roma, where there is a huge parking lot for cars and buses. To get from here to the historical part of Venice, you should take the water bus.
Three Arches Bridge
The Rio de Cannaregio, the canal connecting the lagoon and the Grand Canal, is crossed by only two bridges: the Gullier Bridge (Bridge of Spires) and the superb Bridge of Three Arches. The latter is the only structure of this type that has survived in Venice to this day.
The history of the bridge, as often happens, began with a simple wooden structure that connected the two banks. In 1533, the wood that had fallen into disrepair was replaced with stone, but even then it was just a utilitarian structure, devoid of any outstanding architectural features.
The bridge we see today was built in 1688 by Andrea Tiralli. Its unusual design with three arches of different sizes was borrowed by the architect from sketches by the famous Renaissance painter and graphic artist Jacopo de' Barbari. Initially, the bridge was named after St. Job, due to its location next to the cathedral of the same name.
Three bridge spans rise above the canal: a high one in the center, two smaller ones on the sides. They divide the water surface into three parts, so only small boats can pass under the bridge. Historians have expressed the opinion that the Three Arches Bridge was created in this form to make it difficult for large enemy ships to access the city through the Cannaregio Canal. However, the version that sounds more plausible is that the choice was dictated by simple mathematical calculations, which made it possible to create a durable structure while maintaining the grace of its lines.
Ponte delle Guglie
The only bridge in Venice decorated with turrets on both sides is the Ponte delle Guglie. It spreads over the Canareggio Canal, near its confluence with the Grand Canal.
The first wooden bridge on this site was built back in 1285, but in 1580 it was replaced by a stone one. In 1641 and 1677, the bridge underwent reconstruction, and it took on its final form in 1823, when two white spiers appeared on both sides, erected on a stone parapet. At the same time, the bridge received its modern name Guglie, which means spire. Until this moment it was called Canaregio.
The bridge's carved balustrade, railings and frame of the span over the water are painted white, which harmonizes perfectly with the main brickwork. The bridge is decorated with two coats of arms of Doge Pasquale da Ponte and stone masks of either fabulous animals or satyrs. In 1987, the bridge underwent a new renovation to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.
Academy Bridge
The Academy Bridge was opened to pedestrians on February 19, 1933 as a temporary structure. But, as you know, there is nothing more permanent than temporary - for 80 years it has connected the San Marco area and the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery.
The need to build a bridge was first discussed back in 1488, but almost four hundred years passed before words were put into action. There were long debates about where exactly to connect the banks, in what way - a bridge or a tunnel, until in 1852 they accepted the proposal of engineer Alfred Neville, taking into account his extensive experience in this area. Two years later, a bridge with one horizontal metal span 50 meters long appeared, the only one of its kind in Italy. Despite the obvious amenities that the new bridge brought to the city's residents, it caused mixed reactions. Its structures, reminiscent of industrial ones, did not fit into the historical appearance of the area. In the end, it was decided to replace it with stone. In anticipation of the new construction, the Neuville Bridge was dismantled, and a wooden one was erected in its place in just 37 days. Now the Academy Bridge has turned into a light arched structure 48 meters long.
On both sides of the bridge steps lead to its central horizontal platform. The metal handrails are hung with locks - this is how lovers all over the world try to symbolically seal their feelings. The Venetian authorities are doing their best to combat this tradition, but padlocks appear again and again. Having risen to the highest point of the bridge, do not forget to turn 360 degrees around yourself - a lot of attractions will come into your field of vision.
Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge that connects the two banks of the Grand Canal in Venice. The Rialto is also one of the most famous and popular attractions in Venice. Initially, the banks of the canal were connected by wooden bridges, but after several destructions, in 1591 the bridge was erected in stone.
The design of the bridge required that it be able to support the retail shops that could be located under its arcades. As a result, the bridge turned out to be not only durable, but also beautiful, still decorating the city. The length of the bridge arch is 28 meters, the maximum height on the water is 7.5 meters. There are 24 souvenir shops on the bridge. The best way to view the bridge in detail is from the water, and from the bridge itself there is a beautiful view of the city.
Constitution Bridge
The Pont de la Constitution is the newest bridge on the Grand Canal. Created at the beginning of the 21st century, it clearly challenges traditional Venetian bridges with its constructivist appearance.
The author of the project was the famous Spanish architect and artist Santiago Calatrava. Knowing his previous works, one could assume that this project would be completely original. And Calatrava did not disappoint: using glass as one of the main materials in the construction of the bridge is a very bold decision.
The main arc-shaped structure is made of heavy-duty steel. But the parapets and steps are made of tempered glass. The parapets are framed with bronze handrails, in which lighting lamps are mounted. The arc length of the bridge is 94 meters. Starting on the bank with a width of 5.58 meters, in the central part the bridge widens to almost 10 meters. This, by the way, is very convenient for tourists: those who stop to take photographs or simply enjoy the view of the beautiful Venetian palazzos do not disturb other pedestrians. At night, the bridge is illuminated from the ground. Light, penetrating through the glass surfaces, creates a bizarre glow, turning the bridge into an almost unearthly object.
Bareteri Bridge
The Bareteri Bridge may not be the most outstanding in size and design on the list of bridges in Venice, but it has some special charm that attracts tourists here.
If you walk along the ancient Venetian streets, don’t be lazy to find this small stone bridge that connects the streets Merceria San Zulian and Merceria del Capitello. The name of the bridge is not particularly poetic - translated it means Hatters' Bridge, since masters of making hats have long worked in this area.
Just one span, ten stone balusters in the balustrade on each side - it seems nothing special. But it’s worth stopping in the middle of the bridge, looking around, and you will see the same textbook Venice as we imagine it. A narrow canal separates one row of houses from another. It seems that if you stretch out your hand, you will reach the opposite balcony. There are traditional shutters on the windows, bright geraniums on the window sills. Everything here remains the same as it was in the Middle Ages. And the bridge itself looks somehow fabulous, from the era of noisy Venetian carnivals.
By the way, from the bridge you can see the secret passage to the former house of the all-powerful prosecutor of Venice Marco Venier (now the French Cultural Center). They say that the frivolous wife of the prosecutor took her young lovers to this house during carnivals. Under the Bareteri Bridge, a gondola always stood ready, ready to save the next gentleman from the wrath of his deceived husband.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is an ancient arched bridge located in Venice, Italy. The bridge is very beautiful and is very popular among tourists.
The Bridge of Sighs spans the Palace Canal. It connects the Doge's Palace, where the city court used to be located, and the building of the former Venetian prison. The bridge got its name precisely because of the sorrowful sighs of convicted criminals who were sent to serve their sentences.
However, despite the sad history of the origin of the name, the architecture of the bridge cannot be called gloomy. The Bridge of Sighs was built in 1602 under the direction of the architect Antonio Conti, who richly decorated his creation with Baroque carvings and white marble. The bridge looks very light and airy.
Today, the Bridge of Sighs is one of the most romantic attractions in Venice and a popular place for dates. According to local legends, a couple in love who kissed on this bridge will never break up. In addition, the Bridge of Sighs is especially loved by tourists - it is truly very beautiful, and rarely does any excursion around the city complete without visiting it.
Straw Bridge
Ponte della Paglia - the Straw Bridge - is one of the oldest bridges in Venice. The date of its construction is considered to be 1360. Despite its name, it is not made of straw at all, but of strong Istrian stone.
There are several versions of the origin of the name of this bridge. The most reliable is the following: barges with straw moored near this place, which, mixed with clay, was widely used by the poor as material for roofs. In addition, there were stables nearby, where straw was also needed. Historical documents and decrees were found in the archives that prohibited the unloading of straw bales here due to frequent fires. One way or another, the historical name has survived to this day.
In the Middle Ages, there were sentry booths on both sides of the bridge. They checked everyone who crossed the bridge, and also controlled trade and the payment of taxes to the city treasury.
The Straw Bridge is an attractive viewing platform for tourists. From here you have an excellent view of the gloomy Palace Canal and its main attraction - the Bridge of Sighs. And on the other side, you will see a magnificent picture of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, standing on the opposite bank of the Grand Canal.
Bridge of Saint Moses
The Bridge of St. Moses is interesting, first of all, for its location. It is the link between Calle Larga XXII and the square in front of the Cathedral of San Mois.
This bridge is one of the oldest in Venice. Under its curved arch lies perhaps the busiest pier, where gondolas dock and depart without interruption. Despite the fact that the place here is quite narrow, the gondoliers steer their boats with enviable dexterity, avoiding collisions. The bridge is constantly crowded with tourists, filming this “Brownian motion” in photos and videos.
