Ever wondered about the story behind a bridge with such an unusual name? This is Ponte de la Sbiaca. It is one of Venice’s many crossings. Venice is a city of water. Its inhabitants have always lived on the water.
Venice has over 430 bridges. Bridges connect strips of land. They link little inlets.
Long ago, bridges lacked side protection. Venetians call this “Bande”. Side protection was added for safety. It stopped people falling after drinks at the Osterie. Osterie are local bars. Here you can enjoy local wine. The wine is called Ombra. You can also enjoy Cicchetti. Cicchetti are local snacks. Venetians enjoy them with aperitifs.
Bridge names reflect their function. They reflect their history. Names might come from events that happened there.
Let’s look at some other interesting bridge names. The Ponte Dei Pugni or Bridge of Fists is in San Barnaba. It has marble footprints on its corners. These mark where fist fights took place. Men from Castello and Nicolotti fought here. They fought for hours. The aim was to throw the opponent into the water. Fights ended in 1705. They became too violent. People died.
The Ponte de l’Aséo or Vinegar Bridge once had a vinegar workshop nearby. The Ponte de le Becarie or Butchers Bridge led to the Rialto abattoir. Butchers worked here. The Ponte dei Bareteri or Hatters Bridge was in an area full of hatter shops.
Then there is the Ponte Dei Squartai or The Bridge of the Dismembered. The government displayed justice here. Hands and tongues were cut off. Bodies were quartered. This showed the severity of justice. The Ponte de ‘a Calsina or Mortar Bridge had boats full of mortar passing under it. They were going to a mortar warehouse.
The Ponte de la Cerarèca or Wax Bridge had a wax candle shop. It used wax from Asia and Romania. The Ponte Marco Polo was near Marco Polo’s house. He spent his childhood here. He also spent his last years here. The Ponte dei Ferali or Light Bridge was near where street lamps were made.
The Ponte de la Furàtola or Corner Shop Bridge had a corner shop selling cheap food. The Ponte dei Lustraferi or Metal Shiner Bridge was near metalworkers. They repaired and shined metal for gondolas. The Ponte de l’Ogio or Oil Bridge had warehouses. These housed oil from Asia and Greece.
The Ponte Storto or Crooked Bridge crosses the Rio Verona at an angle. The Ponte de le Ostreghe or Oyster Bridge was where fishermen sold shellfish. The Ponte de la Paja or Straw Bridge is where boats with straw for animals docked. It is a popular spot to photograph the Bridge of Sighs.
The Ponte de le Pignate or Pans Bridge had a shop selling pots and pans. The Ponte dei Pignoli or Pine Nuts Bridge had a family trading pine nuts. The Ponte dei Sartori or Tailors Bridge helped tailors. The Ponte del Tintor or Dyers Bridge was in an area with dyer shops. The Ponte de le Vele or Sail Bridge was near a sail shop. The Ponte de le Veste or Dress Bridge had a tailor making clothes for nobles.
The Ponte del Vin or Wine Bridge had boats carrying wine. The Ponte del Diavolo or Devil Bridge has a legend. The devil appears as a black cat on December 24th. The Ponte dei Sospiri or Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace to prisons. Prisoners sighed seeing Venice for the last time.
The Ponte dee Guglie or Spires Bridge has two long spires. The Ponte dei Tre Archi or Three Arches Bridge has three arches. It is unique. The Ponte dee Tette or Tits Bridge was in the red light district. Ladies lured men by showing their breasts.
The Ponte de Rialto or Rialto Bridge is near the Rialto Market. It was once called Ponte della Moneta. This was due to the nearby Mint. The Ponte dei Scalzi or Barefooted Bridge connects to the Church of the Barefoot.
So, while we may not know the specific story behind Ponte de la Sbiaca, we can appreciate its place among Venice’s many bridges. Each one has its own story. Each one contributes to the city’s unique charm. This city is built on water.