The Rialto Bridge was for a long time the only bridge crossing the Grand Canal. Only in 1854 did it follow the Accademia Bridge and in the 20th century the Scalzi Bridge leading to the railway station.
Antonio da Ponte won a competition among many distinguished architects in 1588, and after three years of construction he was able to realize his design for the present Rialto Bridge. The arch of the Rialto Bridge is supported by, respectively, 6,000 oak poles on each bank. With a length of 48 meters and a maximum height of 7.5 meters.
