Calatrava’s Bridge – Ponte della Costituzione
Ponte della Costituzione
Picture of a different Venice: Calatrava’s Bridge.
Many controversies has accompanied The “Ponte della Costituzione” (Calatrava’s Bridge) since its planning: the final realization costs have doubled the initial budget of the project, its relatively steep pavement and small steps have caused many falls, and even its usefulness has been argued.
Still, this fourth bridge crossing the Grand Canal has captured my attention more than once, and I think it is well worth a couple of pictures. This bridge connect Piazzale Roma, the entrance to Venice accessible to motor vehicles, to the rest of Venice. Its style itself seems to bridge the gap between the past and the future, or between the decorative medieval architecture of Venice and the pure lines of the modern architecture. Calatrava’s bridge merges in a minimalist style both elements and materials from different period. A modern structure made of steel tubes forms the core of an arched truss bridge while the stairway is paved with the traditional pietra d’Istria, alternated with tempered glass steps. The parapet is also glass, with a bronze handrail on top. A pleasant concealed lighting emphasizes with its fluorescentness the smooth lines of the structure and the quality of its materials, giving a futuristic touch to the ensemble.
Location: The “Ponte della Costituzione” (Calatrava’s Bridge), Venice.
What to shot: The bridge itself.
Ideal time to shot: All day long.
Gear: Standard zooms.
How to get there: Public transport water bus station Piazzale Roma (line 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), public transport station terminal Piazzale Roma.
Coordinates: 45° 26′ 16″ N 12° 19′ 07″ E
Gorgeous. I love your picture and your commentary… It’s a window into another world for me. I stood on this bridge last august, and am aching to return!
I love the curves of the construction. Beautiful picture!
Never seen the Calatrava bridge in such a way!
Brilliant capture.. black and white works well here… and thanks for the helpful description, too
Very cool shot!
Wow. I like it. Very futuristic.
What is your feeling about the bridge? Jean & Alex
Stunning!
Can you tell me if the pod attached to this bridge to improve accessibility is operating and functional for disabled passengers to use?
Hi Loya! This is a good question. It should work, but I can’t promise it! Just a few days ago a couple of tourists ended stucked in the pod, but in a few minutes they have been rescued by the staff .
Please remember that a disabled people on wheelchair pay 1,30 € for a 75 min. vaporetto ride and that the helper doesn’t pay anything. http://www.actv.it/muoversiavenezia/prezziinvigore
Be patient, beacuse, especially in the weekend, Vaporetti are overcroweded.
I also found some barrier free itineraries, I hope they can be useful to you: http://www.comune.venezia.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/EN/IDPagina/1381
http://www.venice-tourism.com/en/Venice-Tourism/Itinerari-accessibili/Accessible-Itinerary.html
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at bruno@brunobiancardi.com
I hope you can enjoy Venice! 🙂
This is really astonishing for me