Rialto Bridge is one of two major bridges spanning the Grand Canal. (There are four bridges in all )
A bridge has been here since the first pontoon bridge was built in the 12th c. near the mint in Venice. The floating pontoon bridge was replaced in the mid 13th c. by a wooden bridge.
During the 15th c. shops were built along the sides of the bridge . The wooden bridge collapsed several times, and was finally replaced by the present stone bridge in 1591.
Souvenir shops line Rialto bridge on both sides, as well as open markets at the bottom of the bridge on both ends. The bridge has become a popular symbol of the city of Venice.