The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is an enclosed Baroque bridge in Venice built around 1600–1603 (some sources cite completion by 1614) by architect Antonio Contino—nephew of Antonio da Ponte, who designed the Rialto Bridge. Commissioned by Doge Marino Grimani (whose coat of arms appears on the facade), it connects the Doge’s Palace interrogation rooms to the New Prisons (Prigioni Nuove) across the narrow Rio di Palazzo canal.
 
The name refers to prisoners’ sighs of despair, not romance. As handcuffed inmates crossed the enclosed bridge, they caught their last glimpse of Venice’s sky and lagoon through stone-barred windows before entering damp, dark cells where many would die. The term was popularized by Lord Byron, who translated Ponte dei Sospiri in his writings.
 
Inside, the bridge has two parallel corridors with an interconnecting door to keep prisoners separated during transport (a bit like an airport but even more depressing). The legend that kissing under the bridge at sunset in a gondola grants eternal love is a bit crazy given the bridges use.
 
Interesting facts...
Giacomo Casanova was imprisoned in the Piombi (attic cells above the bridge) and dramatically escaped in 1756 by punching through his cell ceiling and recruiting an accomplice