Project for the Rialto Bridge, Venice

The idea of rebuilding the wooden bridge in stone was first proposed in 1503. Several projects were considered over the following decades. In 1551, the authorities requested proposals for the renewal of the Rialto Bridge. Plans were offered by famous architects, such as Jacopo Sansovino, Palladio and Vignola, but all involved a Classical approach with several arches, which was judged inappropriate to the situation. The commission of surveyors selected the single-arched structure proposed by Antonio da Ponte.