World famous Venice is also known as the "City of Canals" or the "City of Bridges". It is the capital of the Veneto region in the Northeastern part of Italy and it has been built on an archipelago formed in a shallow lagoon, on a group of 126 small islands that are separated by over 180 canals and linked by 435 bridges.. In the old centre, the canals serve the function of roads, and almost every form of transport is on water or on foot.
Bridges have served as an important piece of infrastructure throughout the history of Venice. Before their existence, the numerous islands were separate communities with their own churches, stores, and lifestyles. At that time landowners used planks to cross from one island to the next and charged a small toll to those who wanted to cross over.
Over time the methods of getting from one island to another in Venice have evolved. Initially, a boat known as a traghetto was used to transport people across the natural water ways. Eventually, however, permanent bridges began being constructed out of wood. Today masonry bridges make up the majority of bridges seen in Venice, as well as a few metal ones. These bridges vary in structural design and material composition.
But, what do these bridges really look like? How does it feel to cross one (or two, or a few of them)? I recently spent 5 days in this historic city and created a documentary of some of the less known (and most remote) bridges of Venice. As I mentioned in my introduction, each bridge is unique and it has its own 'personality'. Enjoy the video, Vic Stefanu, vstefanu@yahoo.com