Calatrava’s Bridge – Ponte della Costituzione | The Photographer's Guide to Landscape Photography

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

11 thoughts on “Calatrava’s Bridge – Ponte della Costituzione”

mrslmartini on March 10, 2015 at 1:59 am said:

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!

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tgeriatrix on March 10, 2015 at 9:20 am said:

I love the curves of the construction. Beautiful picture!

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elettralisboa on March 10, 2015 at 12:16 pm said:

Never seen the Calatrava bridge in such a way!

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mgannett2014Michael Gannett on March 10, 2015 at 2:52 pm said:

Brilliant capture.. black and white works well here… and thanks for the helpful description, too

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Sweet as a Picture on March 10, 2015 at 9:24 pm said:

Very cool shot!

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jvandervlugt on March 11, 2015 at 1:33 am said:

Wow. I like it. Very futuristic.

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2geeks3knots on March 12, 2015 at 5:45 am said:

What is your feeling about the bridge? Jean & Alex

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apw on March 21, 2015 at 8:11 pm said:

Stunning!

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Loya on May 24, 2015 at 3:55 am said:

Can you tell me if the pod attached to this bridge to improve accessibility is operating and functional for disabled passengers to use?

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- brubio1111 on May 25, 2015 at 10:54 am said:
  
  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! 🙂
  
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elevenwinds11 on May 26, 2015 at 9:21 am said:

This is really astonishing for me

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