In the 19 th century, Lord Byron named Venetian limestone bridge over the Rio di Palazzo connecting doge from prison for interrogation room in the main palace, Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri). Alleged that prisoners who sigh when they go out the window – with stone bars no less – to show their latest look at the beautiful Venice before imprisonment, torture or execution.
In fact, the doge from prison was a small time criminals. In addition, the bridge was built in 1600, Antonio Contino days after the Inquisition and execution. According to legend, when the lovers kiss on the gondola under the Bridge of Sighs at sunset, their love lasts forever.
