select language: DE-AT
DE-BE
DE-CH
DE-DE
EN-AU
EN-CA
EN-GB
EN-IN
EN-NZ
EN-US
ES-AR
ES-ES
ES-MX
FR-BE
FR-CA
FR-FR
IT-IT
JA-JP
NL-BE
NL-NL
PT-BR
ZH-CN
DE-AT
DE-BE
DE-CH
DE-DE
ES-ES
FR-BE
FR-FR
IT-IT
NL-BE
NL-NL
Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy
A sight to sigh at
The name Bridge of Sighs comes from the supposed woeful sounds of convicts as they looked out at the city of Venice, sneaking one last peek before being marched to their fate in the New Prisons. In truth, the 17th-century jail mainly held petty crooks – so for most perps who made the walk, the view wasn't final. Indeed, their sighs might have been of relief at being led away from the ornate building to our left. The Doge's Palace, today one of Venice's biggest tourist draws, was once home to dungeonlike cells that made the New Prisons seem like a canal-side resort.
A sight to sigh at
The name Bridge of Sighs comes from the supposed woeful sounds of convicts as they looked out at the city of Venice, sneaking one last peek before being marched to their fate in the New Prisons. In truth, the 17th-century jail mainly held petty crooks – so for most perps who made the walk, the view wasn't final. Indeed, their sighs might have been of relief at being led away from the ornate building to our left. The Doge's Palace, today one of Venice's biggest tourist draws, was once home to dungeonlike cells that made the New Prisons seem like a canal-side resort.
Although its name has gloomy origins, this bridge stands out even in its stunning setting.
© Doug Pearson / Alamy Stock Photo 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :