Ponte della Costituzione
Ponte della Costituzione
Ponte della Costituzione
3
About
The Ponte della Costituzione is the fourth bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. It was designed by Santiago Calatrava, and was moved into place in 2007, amid protest by politicians and the general public. The bridge was installed in 2008 and opened to the public on the night of September 11, 2008.
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Neighbourhood: Cannaregio
Cannaregio is the second largest sestiere (district) with its busy Santa Lucia train station. Many transplanted Venetians commute from the outlying areas, “terra firma” to the locals, which is shorthand for any place that is not Venice. Two Grand Canal bridges serve Cannaregio, the newest (Constitution, 2008) still a local hotbed of controversy. Ponte degli Scalzi is a busy link to the train station. Nearby shops on the Lista di Spagna offer specialties like pastries and coffee that lure Venetians with a down-to-earth attitude. The Ghetto, where the Jewish population was segregated in Cannaregio, has five historic synagogues with an active Jewish community. The Fondamente Nove bustles with foot traffic to the Rialto and San Marco while vaporettos (water taxis) head to Murano and other islands. Side streets lead into quiet picturesque neighbourhoods and palaces like Ca' d'Oro rise directly out of the water.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.0
403 reviews
Excellent
47
Very good
108
Average
105
Poor
67
Terrible
76
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mlorahga
Augusta, GA1,501 contributions
Oct 2019
There are over 140 bridges in Venice, but only 4 cross the Grand Canal. The Rialto is the oldest, and the Constitution or Calatrava Bridge is the newest. It is most commonly known as the "Glass Bridge" because of the glass decking. It has been controversial since it opened, not only because of the modern design in such a historic setting, but because when it rained, the glass was so slippery, it was nearly impossible to walk on. I had wanted to see this bridge after having watched an engineering documentary on the issue. Evidently it was solved by etching the glass and improving water drainage from it. It is very stunning. Being at the far end of the island, connecting the bus and train stations, I'm not sure it is too out of place. The two stations are, after all, the only place on the island where wheeled vehicles of any type are allowed.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands6,176 contributions
Sept 2021
A new pedestrian bridge across the Grand Canal is linking the bus and railway station in the northern 'modernized' part of Venice since 2008. Controversial since the project was initiated end of the 1990s, as the design by famous Spanish architect Calatrava proved to be minimalist and incompatible with the historic setting. Moreover, wheelchairs could not cross over, because of the many steps. The tempered glass material used to cover the surface proved to be slippery. It is not see-through glass.
When you look at the bridge from a distance I found the long arched structure attractive, because of its elegance. The view over the Grand Canal from the top part is splendid, though it is not advised to stand still for a long time, as most of the time crowds move along.
When you look at the bridge from a distance I found the long arched structure attractive, because of its elegance. The view over the Grand Canal from the top part is splendid, though it is not advised to stand still for a long time, as most of the time crowds move along.
Written 5 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI1,125 contributions
Sept 2022
The first thing I did after arriving in Venice by train was walk across the modern steel and glass bridge by Santiago Calatrava. Having seen several of his architectural wonders while traveling, I wanted to see this one, especially since I had read about the problems with the glass being slippery during inclement weather. As a bridge, it is a sight to see and walk across...and around and under!!
Written 17 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,571 contributions
Jul 2022
This very modern structure looks to be floating across the canal. It is also known as the Calatrava bridge (after the architect who designed it).
The glass sections on the bridge have caused many accidents due to a slipping hazard and will have to be redone.
The glass sections on the bridge have caused many accidents due to a slipping hazard and will have to be redone.
Written 13 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David0ff82
Liverpool, UK1,456 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A modern bridge that stands out in its own way within Venice. Me and my partner took a wander over whilst here October 2023. On the other side we found the bus and train station it was like we had left Venice but there was a lovely little park near by that was worth a visit
Written 30 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tony b
5,243 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Looking at it carefully, it is certainly one of the ugliest bridges in the city.
It is architecturally unwatchable because it is far from the history and beauty of Venice.
The plastic (glass?) parapets are the seal of its ugliness.
It certainly performs a useful function but this does not detract from its inappropriateness!
It is architecturally unwatchable because it is far from the history and beauty of Venice.
The plastic (glass?) parapets are the seal of its ugliness.
It certainly performs a useful function but this does not detract from its inappropriateness!
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Celux
Rivoli, Italy9,697 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
I am not against modern architecture even in contrast with historical places.
Even Calatrava, although he is often criticized a lot, has done some interesting things from my point of view.
But in Venice, a unique city where there is nothing contemporary, I don't think it makes sense.
Even Calatrava, although he is often criticized a lot, has done some interesting things from my point of view.
But in Venice, a unique city where there is nothing contemporary, I don't think it makes sense.
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
REDMAN
Egaleo, Greece5,135 contributions
May 2019
I haven't seen it anywhere before, a bridge with a mechanism for wheelchairs! Wow! Time-consuming, but worth it, to live the experience! Remarkable!
Written 11 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigHugh51
Adelaide, Australia3,628 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
“Ugly, steep, inconvenient and difficult.” These are just some of the adjectives which spring to mind when thinking of the Constitution Bridge. During our first visit to Venice, 2 years ago, we crossed this bridge twice. Once with no luggage which was relatively easy. The second time, heading for San Lucia Railway Station, was with all of our luggage, including 2 very heavy suitcases and this was extremely difficult, particularly in hot weather. This time it took us about 20 minutes to get across the bridge.
Our most recent visit to Venice involved an arrival at San Lucia Railway Station and another walk across “that bridge”, again with all of our luggage. Fortunately, on this occasion it wasn’t really hot and we didn’t struggle as much as previously because our suitcases were not quite as heavy as last time.
Whoever designed this bridge has appeared to overlook the fact that it was to be located next to a busy railway station that caters for inter-city trains. Thinking logically, they perhaps should have considered the point that there would be many people crossing the bridge with wheeled luggage. Wheeled luggage would be much easier to handle if there were some type of ramp built into part of the bridge. The obvious question then arises then – Is there any type of ramp built into this bridge? Unfortunately the answer is a resounding “NO”! The bridge consists entirely of low, poorly spaced steps. Wheeled luggage therefore has to be carried or dragged up and down the steps. Not good and not easy!
If you do not fancy tackling the arduous journey over the bridge with all of your luggage, you could engage the services of one of the many “porters” who harass you for your custom as you begin your trek across the bridge. They will charge you the “bargain” price of around 20 Euros to carry or wheel your luggage on a trolley, across the bridge. Whether or not you will ever see your luggage again is another question! But at least you will not have had to carry it across this ugly, steep, inconvenient and difficult bridge.
Our most recent visit to Venice involved an arrival at San Lucia Railway Station and another walk across “that bridge”, again with all of our luggage. Fortunately, on this occasion it wasn’t really hot and we didn’t struggle as much as previously because our suitcases were not quite as heavy as last time.
Whoever designed this bridge has appeared to overlook the fact that it was to be located next to a busy railway station that caters for inter-city trains. Thinking logically, they perhaps should have considered the point that there would be many people crossing the bridge with wheeled luggage. Wheeled luggage would be much easier to handle if there were some type of ramp built into part of the bridge. The obvious question then arises then – Is there any type of ramp built into this bridge? Unfortunately the answer is a resounding “NO”! The bridge consists entirely of low, poorly spaced steps. Wheeled luggage therefore has to be carried or dragged up and down the steps. Not good and not easy!
If you do not fancy tackling the arduous journey over the bridge with all of your luggage, you could engage the services of one of the many “porters” who harass you for your custom as you begin your trek across the bridge. They will charge you the “bargain” price of around 20 Euros to carry or wheel your luggage on a trolley, across the bridge. Whether or not you will ever see your luggage again is another question! But at least you will not have had to carry it across this ugly, steep, inconvenient and difficult bridge.
Written 2 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RYoung
San Francisco, CA45 contributions
Jul 2019
When we were leaving Venice and headed to our car in the Garage San Marco, we were able to catch the sunset from this bridge. That was magnificent!! Granted, the glass that acts as the footpath was opaque and we could not see anything below; but I'm sure that when it's dark, you should be able to see the lights from the boats passing beneath.
Written 22 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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