.Ponte di Calatrava: the fourth bridge over the Grand Canal.

Until the nineteenth century, there was only one bridge over the Grand Canal: the Rialto. Efficiency drives then saw the erection of two more bridges (replaced in the 1930s) at useful crossing places. The Ponte degli Scalzi at the northern end of the Grand Canal serves the town's road terminus and railway station, and the Accademia crosses the canal's southern bend. 

Way back in the 1990s it was decided to give the town a new, fourth crossing. The project was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, and in the absence of an official name (not yet announced) the bridge has taken his name, and is known as the Ponte di Calatrava. It will be a long sweeping form of glass and steel accessed by steps (we're not sure if the modesty of skirt-wearing women, in this area of loiterers, was considered any more than the need for wheelchair access).

.Accademia Bridge .

Accademia Bridge

Elegant wooden bridge over the Grand Canal with lovely views 

The Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia) crosses the Grand Canal towards its lower, southern end, linking the San Marco district with the Accademia gallery in Dorsoduro. It offers two of the best views in Venice, looking along the Grand Canal in each direction. On one side lies the dome of Santa Maria della Salute, and on the other is the quieter bend which eventually takes the canal towards the Rialto Bridge. 

In a city of imposing stone architecture it is striking to come across a large, plain wooden bridge (another connects Venice to the residential island of San Pietro in Castello). The simple organic material is an appealing counterpoint to the marble splendours of the Grand Canal. 

Although there are steady daytime flows of pedestrians, and a few illegal street-salesmen blocking the way with dodgy handbags (don't buy or you're liable to massive fines), this bridge still has much more atmosphere than the other bridges over the Grand Canal, and it is easier to find a peaceful moment here. Apparently Greg Wise proposed to Emma Thompson on the Accademia Bridge: it's a good choice if you can find a quiet time (try late evening).

Location 

The Accademia Bridge is at one point of the triangle made by the principal routes through the San Marco district, and is around ten minutes' walk from each of the other two 'points'; the Rialto and St. Mark's. Around this area there are street signs to the Accademia which will lead you to the bridge. There is a vaporetto stop right next to the bridge, on the Dorsoduro side. The ferry stop, too, is called 'Accademia'. There is a tourist restaurant with tables right alongside the bridge, and plenty of local cafes and restaurants both on the Dorsoduro side and around Campo San Stefano, a minute away in the San Marco district.

. Rialto Bridge .

. Rialto Bridge .

One of Venice's most famous landmarks, the Rialto Bridge still comes upon many visitors as a surprise 

The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) on the Grand Canal is one of the most well-known sights in Venice, yet many tourists find themselves upon it by accident. I recently heard a young English visitor telling his girlfriend 'This is it. We're on the Rialto.' 'No we're not.' 'Yes we are!' There aren't many stretches of walkway alongside the Grand Canal, so the chances are you'll arrive at the bridge via some of Venice's long narrow lanes. You'll see a flight of steps ahead between yet more buildings, press through the crowds, climb the steps - and there you are at the summit of the famous Rialto Bridge.