PONTE DELL’ACCADEMIA

Description

Essentials about the Ponte dell’Accademia in brief

The Ponte dell’Accademia is one of only four bridges that span the Grand Canal. It connects Campo San Vidal on the north side and Campo della Carità on the south side of the canal, and thus the two districts of San Marco and Dorsoduro. The bridge owes its name to the Gallerie dell’Accademia on the south bank of the Grand Canal, the most important collection of paintings in Venice. The view from the Ponte dell’Accademia of the Grand Canal and the nearby church of Santa Maria della Salute is one of the most beautiful in Venice.

The history and architecture of Ponte dell’Accademia

Already in the 15th century there were plans to build a bridge on the present site. However, the project was only implemented under the imperial and royal administration in 1854 with an iron bridge designed by the English engineer Alfred Henry Neille. After the independence of Italy, Venice wanted to replace the relic of the unloved occupying power with a stone bridge. In the end, however, the decision was made to design a wooden bridge by engineer Eugenio Miozzi, who also provided the plans for the Ponte degli Scalzi at the northern end of the Grand Canal. The bridge was opened in 1933 and was intended to be a temporary structure. However, it has been preserved to this day. The Ponte dell’Accademia is especially popular with photographers for its beautiful view of the south end of the Grand Canal and the famous church of Santa Maria della Salute.