Bridge of Sighs

After leaving the glass factory we reassembled to take a short walking tour of Venice. A local guide led us over bridge after bridge crossing the canals. Even though it was before noon the temperature was in the mid-90's. Our first stop was just off St. Mark's Square. The Bridge of Sighs links the Doges' Palace to the prison block. During the height of Venice's power the city rulers (Doges) dispensed justice from their ornate palace then conveniently dismissed the condemned to the nearby prison. Crossing this bridge with it's tiny windows looking on to the canal offered the last view of freedom that many prisoners enjoyed. Knowing this they let out a last sigh. Or so Lord Byron claimed.