Hanging out on the Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy: photo by John Ecker | pantheon photography

HANGING OUT ON THE RIALTO BRIDGE, VENICE, ITALY: The current version was built in 1581 while the first was erected in 1181. That 12th century pontoon bridge lasted until around 1250 when it was replaced by a wooden, arched version. It lasted until 1444 when it collapsed during a wedding (What a way to remember your wedding anniversary!)  Finally, in 1588 the Venetian government commissioned Antonio da Ponte and commenced building a single arc stone bridge– the one that stands there to this day.  The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s top gathering places and a top site for tourists.  Most of the restaurants along the canal near the bridge are high price/low quality propositions.  If you go, remember you are paying for the view and not the food!  The Rialto Bridge is a great place for people-watching too.  It’s fun to sit and watch the sea of humanity stroll by.

Shot handheld with a Nikon D3100, 18-200 DX zoom lens at 68mm, f32, 1/3 sec, ISO 100 Copyright photo by John Ecker | pantheon photography.