Hercules Brabazon Brabazon (1821-1906)

The Rialto Bridge was named after the ancient commercial seat of Venice, where the first inhabitants settled. Until 1854, when the Accademia Bridge was constructed, this remained the only means of crossing the Grand Canal on foot. The bridge was built by Antonio da Ponte from 1588 to 1592. It is a hump-backed bridge with a central street lined with shops and gangways on either side, affording views of the Grand Canal.