Ponte de i Sospiri ため息の橋

When contemplating a winter escape, people often envision a destination characterized by warm weather, with places such as Morocco, South East Asia, or the Caribbean. The frigid air emanating from the canals of Venice may not initially seem appealing; however, it is precisely this aspect that renders Venice a hidden treasure during the winter months.

I have been to Venice 13 times now, and I have chosen winter for all of them.

Just before and just after Carnevale especially, the throngs of tourists would have dissipated, allowing the locals to reclaim their streets and piazzas. Clad in fur coats, they indulge in hot chocolate and mulled wine, creating an atmosphere of tranquility throughout the city. I particularly enjoy taking a morning stroll when the city is enveloped in mist. The soft, white veil that blankets the Grand Canal casts a gentle glow, evoking the sensation of being in a fairytale and enhancing the enchanting allure of this already breathtaking city. Gondoliers glide slowly through the canals, gradually disappearing into the mist. Winter in Venice is undeniably romantic.

It is also most common to get misty weather during this period and for those wanting to photograph Venice in the fog, this is the only time for it.

The Bridge of Sighs is an iconic view that many photographers and tourists would like a snapshot of.

The Bridge of Sighs (Italian: Ponte dei Sospiri, Venetian: Ponte de i Sospiri) is a bridge in Venice, Italy. The enclosed bridge is made of white limestone, has windows with stone bars, passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. It was designed by Antonio Contin, whose uncle Antonio da Ponte designed the Rialto Bridge. It was built in 1600.

The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. The bridge's English name was bestowed by Lord Byron in the 19th century as a translation from the Italian "Ponte dei sospiri", from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells.

Usually the best time to photograph it would be before 8am, just before the throngs of tourists arrive. I prefer to photograph it from the back looking to the front, because there are usually less people on this side. The big bonus is when a lone gondolier comes along, slowly rowing his craft....