The Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Italy

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The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) in Venice was built in 1600 by Antonio Contino. This enclosed Baroque limestone bridge connects the Doge's Palace interrogation rooms to the New Prison across the Rio di Palazzo. Named by Lord Byron in the 19th century for the sighs of condemned prisoners glimpsing their last view of Venice en route to cells. Not used for executions; prisoners often received fines or short sentences. A romantic myth (kissing beneath it ensures eternal love) emerged from tourism, not historical fact.