Morning or late afternoon
In brief
Ponte Chiodo, on the Rio di San Felice in Cannaregio, is one of only two bridges in Venice that still have no parapets — the other is the Devil's Bridge on Torcello. It shows how most Venetian bridges looked centuries ago.
Best for simple, timeless canal portraits in a quiet part of Cannaregio.
Ponte Chiodo: a bridge without parapets
Ponte Chiodo crosses the Rio di San Felice in Cannaregio. It is one of only two bridges in Venice that still have no parapets; the other is the Devil's Bridge on Torcello. It shows how most Venetian bridges looked centuries ago, before railings were added.
Photos at Ponte Chiodo
The bridge leads to a private door, so it isn't a through route, which keeps it calm. Its clean, unprotected lines over the quiet canal give simple, timeless portraits.
Safety first
The open edges are what make it striking, and also why care matters. We plan poses in the middle of the bridge and never on the edge, especially with a long dress.
Timing and nearby
Morning or late afternoon light works best on the canal. The bridge is a few steps from the Strada Nova, and the Ca' d'Oro vaporetto stop is about five minutes away. Cannaregio around it is one of the quietest districts for portraits. A couple with one photographer working light doesn't need a permit. Larger crews, set equipment or anything that blocks the way needs authorisation from the Comune di Venezia.
A Cannaregio session around Ponte Chiodo
- Start at the Ca' d'Oro vaporetto stop and walk to the Rio di San Felice.
- Photograph Ponte Chiodo from the fondamenta opposite, with its clean, open lines.
- Continue north to the Fondamenta della Misericordia for golden-hour portraits.
- End at Madonna dell'Orto, where the brick facade glows in the evening light.
Ponte Chiodo through the seasons
In summer the canal is shaded for part of the day, which keeps the light soft. In autumn and winter, low sun reaches along the Rio di San Felice in the late afternoon. After rain, the stones of the bridge darken and shine, which adds texture to the photos — but they're also slippery, so we take extra care.
Photo ideas at the bridge without railings
The best images are taken from across the canal, with you standing in the centre of the bridge and the water below. A simple, timeless composition suits the place: an embrace, a kiss, the two of you looking at each other. Black and white works beautifully here.
Combine it with
Ca' Sagredo and Ca' Vendramin Calergi are on the Grand Canal nearby. Further north, Madonna dell'Orto and the Venetian Ghetto complete a quiet Cannaregio route.
A short history of Venice's bridges without parapets
In medieval Venice, most bridges were simple wooden or stone arches without railings, and horses were still used in the city. Over the centuries parapets were added for safety, and today almost every bridge has them. Ponte Chiodo, on a private access in Cannaregio, and the Ponte del Diavolo on Torcello are the last two survivors of that older Venice.
Getting to Ponte Chiodo
From the Strada Nova, turn towards the Rio di San Felice near the church of San Felice. The bridge is visible from the fondamenta along the canal. The nearest vaporetto stop is Ca' d'Oro, about five minutes away; from the railway station it's around fifteen minutes on foot.
Etiquette and safety
The bridge leads to a private home, so we keep any time on it brief and respectful, and we never block the residents' door. Without railings, the edges are dangerous, especially with a long dress or in wet weather. We photograph from the opposite bank and pose you in the centre of the bridge.
If it rains
Rain makes the bridge slippery, so we avoid standing on it and photograph it from the fondamenta. Cannaregio's covered sotoporteghi and the porch of the nearby churches offer shelter while the canal stays in view.
What to wear and how long to plan
Simple, timeless outfits suit the bridge's minimal lines. Avoid long trains and slippery soles on the stone. Allow fifteen minutes for Ponte Chiodo itself, as part of a longer Cannaregio route.
Accessibility and a place to celebrate
The Strada Nova, a few steps from the bridge, is wide and flat, and the Ca' d'Oro vaporetto stop is close by, so reaching the area is easy. The bridge itself, without railings, isn't suitable for anyone unsteady on their feet. Afterwards, the bacari along the Strada Nova and the Fondamenta della Misericordia are perfect for a spritz and cicchetti.
Tips for a photoshoot at Ponte Chiodo
- Safety first: no posing on the edge, especially with a long dress.
- The bridge leads to a private house — respect the residents.
- Combine with the Fondamenta della Misericordia at golden hour.
Ponte Chiodo: frequently asked questions
Why doesn't Ponte Chiodo have railings?
In the past most Venetian bridges had no parapets. Ponte Chiodo and Torcello's Devil's Bridge are the two that remain.
Is Ponte Chiodo safe for photos?
Yes, if you stay away from the edges. We plan poses in the middle of the bridge.
Where is Ponte Chiodo?
In Cannaregio, on the Rio di San Felice, just off the Strada Nova.
Can you walk across Ponte Chiodo?
It leads to a private door, so it isn't a public route. We photograph it from the fondamenta and keep any time on the bridge itself brief and respectful.
Where is the other bridge without railings in Venice?
On Torcello: the Ponte del Diavolo, near the cathedral.
No permit needed for a couple and a photographer working light; larger crews, sets or anything that blocks passage need the Comune's authorisation
Cannaregio, on the Rio di San Felice near Strada Nova
Old-Venice simplicity, quiet canal
Quiet
Engagement or couple session
Other locations
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