For other bridges of this name, see Bridge of Sighs (Cambridge) and Bridge of Sighs (Oxford).
The Bridge of Sighs in Venice at night
The Bridge of Sighs or Ponte dei Sospiri is one of many bridges in Venice. It passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the old prisons to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace.
The bridge is of white marble. Windows with stone bars are on the summit of this enclosed bridge. The name comes from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice out the window before being taken down to their cells.
Hertford Bridge in New College Lane, Oxford, England is often referred to as the "Bridge of Sighs" because of its supposed similarity to the famous bridge of the same name in Venice.
However, Hertford Bridge was never intended to be a replica of the Venetian bridge and many believe it looks more similar to the Rialto Bridge in the same city.
The bridge links together the Old and New Quadrangles of Hertford College (the bridge does not link Hertford College to New College, as is stated by some inaccurate city tourguides).
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