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Ponte dell'Accademia

Wooden Arch Bridge over the Grand Canal

The Academy Bridge, one of the four bridges over the Grand Canal in Venice, is located on the south side of the river near the mouth, has been renovated and rebuilt several times in its history. The Academy Bridge is built on a steel-framed arch, and the bridge deck is made of wooden planks.

The Academy Bridge (Ponte dell’Accademia) is one of four bridges on the Grand Canal of Venice, located on the south side of the S-shaped river near its mouth.

The Academy Bridge first appeared in 1854, when it was not yet called by that name. During the 20th century, the bridge has undergone several renovations, the last of which was in 1986. The Steel Bridge Arch replaced the 1933 all-wood design to increase the bridge’s stability and reduce maintenance frequency. The Academy Bridge is the only wooden plank bridge on the Grand Canal.

As you walk up to the bridge deck, gondolas and water buses pass by from time to time, shuttling through the water on the Grand Canal. Overlooking the Basilica of Saint Mary of Health and the different styles of buildings on the shore, you will realize the true charm of Venice the water city.

The Vitruvian Man, by Leonardo da Vinci, Galleria dell'Accademia di Venezia

The presence of the Academy Bridge draws more visitors to the Academy Gallery (Gallerie dell'Accademia) on the south bank of the bridge. The Academy Gallery, from which the bridge takes its name, is part of the Venice Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia), which was founded in 1750 and houses many artworks from the Venetian school, including paintings by Giovanni Bellini, Giorgione, Titian and Tintoretto.