Carlo NAYA, Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Italy c. 1870

Vintage albumen print

Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Italy.

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri in Italian) is one of the most famous bridges in Venice, Italy. Built in the 17th century, it connects the Doge's Palace to Venice's old prison. Its romantic name, according to legend, comes from the sighs of prisoners who, crossing this bridge, caught their last glimpse of Venice's beauty before being imprisoned.

Carlo Naya (1816-1882) was one of the pioneers of photography in Italy. After studying law in Pisa, he settled in Venice in St. Mark's Square to open one of the largest establishments dedicated to photography of his time.