The Bridge of Sighs

Everyone that visits this Venetian landmark becomes fascinated by its beauty, history, and legends. The Bridge of Sighs was built in the early 17th century, to serve as a passageway between the Doge’s Palace and the new prison on the other side. Those who received their sentence were immediately led to their cell. Crossing the bridge, the criminals passed through a double corridor, preventing any visual or verbal communication between them. One final glance at the lagoon through the barred windows was all they got— looking at the freedom they were leaving behind. As for the sighs, sorry to disappoint, but there’s no charming story behind them. They came from the future prisoners, before they entered the dungeons and torture chambers. Even then, “sighs” wasn’t the right word. Many of them cried out their innocence, in despair, and in vain. The bridge’s thick stone muffled their cries, and they were never heard. Discrete, secretive, and confined, the Bridge of Sighs was a chilling symbol of isolation and regret.