And then, ten steps further, we were at the bridge we've been looking forward to for most of the day - Ponte della Costituzione, that is, Constitution Bridge. Or as it's colloquially called, the Calatrava Bridge, after the Spanish architect who designed it. The bridge has a modern, minimalist design that's a mix of the old and new. It has Istrian stone steps that are a traditional Venetian bridge feature set in a trendy steel frame with glass side panels.
Apparently it was controversial from the start with complaints about its out-of-place design, lack of wheelchair access, and the fact that it duplicates the function of the Ponte degli Scalzi which is only a stone's throw away. But then, a few thousand people a day use it to cross from Piazzale Roma to the station area and onwards into Venice along the Grand Canal's left bank, so it can't be that bad.
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