Constitution Bridge

Constitution Bridge, or Ponte della Costituzione, crosses the Grand Canal between Piazzale Roma and Santa Lucia railway station. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2008, it brings sweeping steel, glass and stone curves to a city better known for historic bridges. Pause on the crossing for views of the canal and passing boats, or look up at its structure from the water. It is a practical first crossing into Venice if you arrive by bus or train. Take care on the glass steps, especially in wet weather.

A modern crossing over the Grand Canal

The Constitution Bridge, Ponte della Costituzione in Italian, links Piazzale Roma with Santa Lucia railway station. It is one of four bridges across the Grand Canal and the most recent of them. Santiago Calatrava designed the structure, which opened in 2008.

Steel, glass and stone form its sweeping arch. The shape has been compared to the hull of a gondola, with a curved profile that stands apart from Venice’s older bridges. Its position gives the crossing a useful role for people arriving by bus or train, as well as a view of the canal and the city’s buildings.

A bridge named for the Italian Constitution

The bridge was first called Quarto Ponte sul Canal Grande, or Fourth Bridge over the Grand Canal. Its current name marks the 60th anniversary of the Italian Constitution. Many Venetians also call it the Calatrava Bridge, after its architect.

The crossing has drawn debate over its contemporary appearance and practical design. Glass steps can become slippery in rain, so take care underfoot in wet weather. For a different view of the structure, look up from a boat passing beneath it: the underside reveals curved steel ribs and glass panels.