Venice Bridge  "New Calatrava Bridge"

After nine years of delay this modern contemporary structure of iron, glass and marble will link the Santa Lucia train station with Piazzale Roma. The 308-foot-long pedestrian expanse is only the fourth bridge to cross the Grand Canal. The original price tag of 4 million Euros is now up to over 6.5 million Euros ($10 million dollars) due to delays, controversies and politics. Many Venetians have been doubtful while waiting for its inauguration, that it’ll be finished on time. The structure was assembled piece by piece, and parts were ferried to the site during low tide so they could pass under the three other bridges that span the Grand Canal.

Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava has designed 29 projects in 13 countries from Valencia to Buenos Aires. The Olympic sports complex in Athens, Greece and the twisting torso skyscraper in Malmo, Sweden are some of his better known projects. He deviated from his usual expanded array of cable networks and steeples, choosing a low-keyed version of tempered glass, Istrian stone and gleaming bronze. The modern design is a departure from the city’s rich medieval and Renaissance architecture. Calabria’s structure is intended to “bridge” the old traditions of the city with modern forms, using local Istrian stone to smooth the transition.

So what does this mean for Venice, a city deep in tradition and culture? Venice may find that this new bridge (Quarto Ponte sul Canal Grande) serves as a cordial welcome link to
Progress. The new revised opening date is now scheduled for September 2008.

We Arrived in Venice on May 6th and were transferred to Piazzale Roma on the banks of the Grand Canal near the entrance to the Calatrava Bridge. The bridge was 98% complete at that time and it would have only taken 5 minutes to travel to the Hotel Santa Lucia. We were forced instead to go by foot for 25 minutes crossing two bridges Rio Nuevo and Ponte Scalzi.

The Hotel Santa is located a short walking distance from the Venice Santa Lucia Train Station and is located down a quiet alley. It is a peaceful family-owned hotel offering budget travelers a retreat from Venice’s peppy night life. We paid 115 Euros per night for a room with 2 beds and a private bathroom. A tasty Italian breakfast was also included in the price. This charming hotel was clean, cheerful and friendly.

Hotel Santa Lucia
358 Calle de la Misericordia
Venice, Italy 30121
Phone: 39 041 710180
Fax: 39 041 710610
Email: info@hotelslucia.com
Website: www.hotelslucia.com

by Tom Ellerbe - December 10, 2008

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